Should the Sabbath Be on Saturday or Sunday?

Are Christians today supposed to keep the Saturday Sabbath or is Sunday now the Lord’s Day? Are we breaking the Law by not keeping a Saturday Sabbath or is this legalism?

Sabbath Command

Many Christians from different denominations argue over which day to observe as the Sabbath. Ancient Israel and even a few Orthodox Jews of today keep Saturday as the Sabbath. Their day begins at sunset Friday night and ends on Saturday at sunset. The Sabbath was a reminder to Israel of Who the Creator is (Genesis 2:1-3) and a reminder of His power over creation (Exodus 20:11) and was a sign for Israel to all the other nations that He was their God (Dueteronomy 5:15). This Sabbath command was given to the nation of Israel as a sign and symbol of God and Who He is, but this was never given to the Gentile nations at any other time. Not even once were other nations commanded to keep the seventh day Sabbath. The Sabbath command, directly from God, was given specifically to Israel as the Fourth Commandment.

Is Sabbath Commanded in the New Testament?

There is no Scripture anywhere in the New Testament that commands that Christians are to observe and keep a Saturday Sabbath. Not from Jesus, not from Paul, nor from any of the other apostles. The one Scripture that some use to say the Sabbath day is commanded is found by the (unknown) writer of Hebrews. It says in Hebrews 4:9 “So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.” But looking at one text is dangerous in determining doctrine. We must always read verses in the entire context of the chapter and sometimes in the context of the entire book. Let’s see what the writer of Hebrews was talking about in Hebrews 4:1-3, “Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed. Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, “So I declared on oath in my anger, They shall never enter my rest.” The rest that the writer was speaking about was entering into faith in God and resting in His works. The ancient Israelites did not believe God and so they did not enter into that rest…which was to be in the Promised Land. They were stiff necked which was when God said, “They shall never enter my rest.” That is what happened; that generation died in the wilderness. The Book of Hebrews was written to the Jewish Christians and those Jews who had heard about or seen Jesus Christ.

The remainder of Hebrews chapter four shows that this was no specific day of rest like Saturday that the author was speaking about; “Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience, God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience” (Hebrews 4:6-11). Several things we notice here is that if they had obeyed Joshua, then Joshua would have given them rest. This was not a day of rest because “if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day.” Note that they did not go in because of their disobedience or unbelief. This was a call for belief and trust in God because David’s message was proclaimed, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” This was a call to obedience and a call to rest in (trust in) God. This was not a day of the week but a call to believe, yet what happened? They hardened their hearts.

Jesus was asked by the young rich ruler how he might inherit eternal life. Jesus then goes on to mention the commandments. He says, “You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother” (Luke 18:2). Here Jesus had the perfect opportunity to tell him to keep the Sabbath but he didn’t. In fact, they asked Jesus which are the two greatest commandments. Jesus answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:37-40). Here again, Jesus could have included the Sabbath day but He didn’t. These two commandments are the heart and soul…the summary…of all of the Ten Commandments and the Sabbath was not included.

Didn’t Paul Preach on the Sabbath?

He preached to the Jews on the Saturday Sabbath because that is where they were assembled, not because he was following a commandment to do so. How else could Paul reach and preach to the Jews except on their Sabbath day while they were in the synagogues? This was Paul’s standard procedure when reaching a city. He always first stopped and preached to the Jews who were not part of the church, yet in the hopes that some might believe. Some did believe, but most did not. But then Paul met with the Christians as we see in Acts 20 and 1 Corinthians 16. Paul’s custom when speaking to the churches was on the “first day of the week.” In Acts 20:7 it says that “On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.” In fact, it was the custom of the church to meet on Sunday’s to gather collections too, as it says in 1 Corinthians 16:2 “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” Here we see Paul was collecting the money for the Jerusalem Christians and also note that he said, “when I come” meaning when he came, he would collect them on Sunday. Obviously he was collecting the money when they were all meeting.

Did Jesus Keep the Sabbath?

Jesus was challenged many times by the religious leaders about the Sabbath. They claimed that He violated the Sabbath many times but the truth is He never did. The religious leaders had created or added their own Sabbath laws…in the hundreds, which were never given in the Mosaic Law. They had made the Sabbath a burden instead of a delight. Jesus said in Luke 6:1-11:

“One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels. Some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” Jesus answered them, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” Then Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand in front of everyone.” So he got up and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand was completely restored. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.”

Notice that Jesus said that He is Lord of the Sabbath meaning that He was the originator of the Sabbath as Creator implying that He had the authority to change it. He said that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath, indicating that it was of good intention for man to rest but not that man was made for (or to keep strictly) the Sabbath. Since Jesus healed people on the Sabbath, the implication is that the Sabbath was for man and for healing purposes, not for restricting what he can and can not do.

Why Sunday Observance?

The early church often broke bread, a symbol of meeting, on the first day of the week.

Jesus was resurrected on Sunday, the first day of the week (Mark 16:2). The early church often broke bread, a symbol of meeting, on the first day of the week. The early Christian church celebrated the Lord’s resurrection on Sunday and met on that day to honor the day that He was resurrected. Whether some churches keep the Saturday Sabbath, or some observe Sunday is not something that we should be judging others over. Some attend worship services on Saturday night, some on Saturday, some on Friday night, while the vast majority worships on Sunday. So what? This was Paul’s teaching on this issue, as he said, “Each person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God” (Romans 14:5-6). He continued by writing, “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ” (Colossians 2:16-17).

Paul clearly understood that trying to strictly observe the Mosaic Laws was becoming a stumbling block as he said, “But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? You are observing special days and months and seasons and years” (Galatians 4:9-10)!

We can summarize Paul’s beliefs on trying to keep certain days or feasts or months that these can be enslaving, we should be convinced in our own minds and not judging others who are convinced in their own minds. We do all these things as unto the Lord, and even the Sabbath day is a shadow of the things that were to come, but now the reality is found in Christ Jesus. I will not judge you for keeping Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday, or whatever day. We do all things as unto the Lord and are convinced, each one of us, in our own minds. I pray others will not judge those who observe different days than they do. I have to work on Sunday’s as a pastor so my day of rest is often Friday night until Saturday morning since I also have to work during the week. Whether you keep a Saturday or Sunday Sabbath or Lord’s Day, you decide. The reality is found in Jesus Christ and that is Whom I worship. It is not so much when we worship but Who we worship that is important.

You might like to read these other articles that have Bible answers to questions:

Jack Wellman is a father and grandfather and a Christian author, freelance writer, and Prison Minister. Graduate work at Moody Bible Institute. His books are inexpensive paperbacks that are theological in nature: “Teaching Children The Gospel/How to Raise Godly Children,“ “Do Babies Go To Heaven?/Why Does God Allow Suffering?,“ "The Great Omission; Reaching the Lost for Christ," and “Blind Chance or Intelligent Design?, Empirical Methodologies & the Bible."

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Hi there the sabbath was actually instituted in genesis in the garden of Eden so it can’t be said it was specifically for the Jews. Were Adam and Eve Jews? The commandment reads “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. (Exodus 20:8 NIV) it says remember which indicates it was already in place. Greetings from England your brother in Christ James Kurz 🙂

God rested on the Sabbath as an example, yes, but I don’t see Adam or Eve worshiping on the Sabbath and besides, Exodus 20:8 was written to who? The Jews. If you want to keep the rest of the Law, then you must understand that the Torah thus prohibits driving on the basis that a labor is being performed by the act of operating a motor vehicle. The vehicle’s ignition combusts fuel, which by some is considered to violate one of the 39 prohibited activities on Shabbat, as well as creating a spark, which is likewise considered to violate a related rabbinic prohibition. (“Igniting a fire”). Isaiah 58:13-14 speaks out against travel during Sabbath Modern vehicles also have many other electrical components, such as lights, that are continually turned on and off during the course of a vehicle’s operation, often without the driver’s awareness. Besides, the laws of Sabbath place limits on the distance one may travel beyond the city/town where one is spending Sabath, regardless of the method of transportation.

For example, if you had to travel to church over 600 cubits, then you were breaking the Sabbath and had to be stoned? How far do you want to go with Sabbath keeping? There are at least 39 categories of forbidden acts, all of which are types of work:

Sowing
Plowing
Reaping
Binding sheaves
Threshing
Winnowing
Selecting
Grinding
Sifting
Kneading
Baking
Shearing wool
Washing wool
Beating wool
Dyeing wool
Spinning
Weaving
Making two loops (required for tying one’s shoes)
Weaving two threads
Separating two threads
Tying (your shoes for example)
Untying
Sewing two stitches
Tearing (like opening a letter)
Trapping
Slaughtering
Flaying
Salting meat (at meals)
Curing hide
Scraping hide
Cutting hide up
Writing two letters
Erasing two letters
Building
Tearing a building down
Extinguishing a fire (not good if you have a fire at home)
Kindling a fire (included turning on your heat at home)
Hitting with a hammer
Taking an object from the private domain to the public, or transporting an object in the public domain (Internet, etc.).

Do you see my point sir. James said if you keep one Law you must keep ALL of the Law (James 2:10). Besides, no one is saved by the works (or keeping) of the Law.

Read the ten commandments from the first to the tenth,,,, they are precise and to the point. Meaning they need no explanation. The longest commandment is the fourth, where God tries to explain how the Sabbath should be observed…. In fact the literal meaning is to rest. Its a day made holy from the creation… The seventh day. The jews had tried to give restrictions in the name of observing the Sabbath which was wrong, the ten commandments are self explanatory, and don’t need human enforcement… In the old testament someone breaking a law was stoned to death save for the message of the cross in our day

Thank you Kim. So you are Jewish. The Sabbath command always had attached to it “Thus say to the children of Isreal” so if you are Jewish, enjoy the Sabbath, but read Gal 3 and break free from this legalism. You are putting on heavy loads that Jesus rebuked the religious Jews about, so stoning is no longer required. Jesus fulfilled the Law.

I appreciate your writing on an important subject. However, the way you “tell us” what Jesus meant by this or that is ridiculous and unbiblical. Let scripture explain itself. Jesus kept Saturday Sabbath and the early church kept the Saturday sabbath. I would be careful how you advise people. “It doesn’t matter what day you keep” when God’s commandment says “remember” and don’t give me the “it was nailed to the cross bit” the sacrificial laws were nailed to the cross, not the Sabbath. The sabbath existed before sin, Isaiah says it will exist after sin is no more, why than would the cross, which deals with my sin, have any bearing on the Sabbath. Study scripture and History and you will see the early church did keep Saturday sabbath. It was people that changed it to Sunday. Not God.

Thank you Richard for your comment. Please read the comment or reply to James above to see why no one can be saved by the Law. James said if you keep one Law you must keep ALL of the Law (James 2:10). Besides, no one is saved by the works (or keeping) of the Law. For those who don’t keep a Sabbath from sunset Fri to sunset Sat. (I presume you are a Sabbath keeper…what church do you attend?) then do you stone those who break the Sabbath as the Law requires?

Speaking of early church historians or church fathers please allow me to quote several of them;

Let no one judge you concerning food or drink, or in regard to a feast, new moon, or Sabbaths, which are a shadow of coming things, but the body belongs to Christ (Paul the Apostle, Colossians 2:16-17, c. A.D. 60).

Those who have been brought up in the ancient order of things [i.e., converted Jews] have come to the possession of a new hope, no longer observing the Sabbath but living in observance of the Lord’s day (Ignatius, Magnesians 10, A.D. 110).

If … anyone can now sanctify the day which God has sanctified except by being pure in heart in all things, then we are deceived. Behold, therefore, it is certain that we properly rest and sanctify it when we are able to work righteousness because we have received the promise and wickedness no longer exists because all things have been made new by the Lord. Then we shall be able to sanctify it because we are first sanctified ourselves. (Letter of Barnabas 15, c. A.D. 130)

The new law requires you to keep perpetual Sabbath, and you [Jews], because you are idle for one day, suppose you are godly, not understanding why this command was given to you. (Justin, Dialogue with Trypho, a Jew 12, c. A.D. 150)

We learn from Scripture itself that God gave circumcision … as a sign. … Ezekiel the prophet says the same concerning the Sabbaths: “I gave them my Sabbaths to be a sign between me and them … ” … These things, then, were given as a sign, but the signs were not lacking symbolism … since they were given by a wise Artist; the circumcision of the flesh typified that which was of the Spirit. … But the Sabbaths taught that we should continue day by day in God’s service. (Irenaeus, Against Heresies IV:16:1, c. A.D. 185)

Hi Richard,
I read your comment and it raised a couple of thoughts I thought I’d submit. Jesus honored the Sabbath because He was a Jew under a Jewish religious system. This religious system officially ended in A.D. 70 when the temple and Jerusalem was routed by the Romans (as Jesus said would happen). The Bible doesn’t prohibit worship on either Saturday or Sunday; however, we really should simply worship Him every minute of every day. God bless you.
Yours in Christ,
Robert

a thumb of excellence for our spiritual adviser there. let people know we are not justified by observing the law but by faith in Christ(please read following verse to clear mist on topic in question; Galatians 3) we are no longer prisoners of laws, by faith abraham was justified not that he kept sabbath preserved. God is to be worship any time any where, as worship is a lifestyle(where two or three gather in my name I will be there-remember this verse). let us not judge others according to the days to worship. who said God does not love variaties? look nature around you

God bless you Richard, You’ve hit the nail on the cross head on. I’m sorry for you Jack, you suppose to know better being a bible student and became a minister. Be careful on this subject of the 10 commandments of God. Never fool around it, add nor subtract anything on it. On judgement day, you will stand before God and His judgement upon you will be based on His Eternal Universal Law of Love…the 10 commandment (not 9 but still 10) which started even before Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden.

Brother, I completely understand your point of view; however, it is also much easier for me to allow scriptures to speak for me. I agree that the Sabbath was given to Israel but why can’t we allow the word of God to speak for itself…Paul states in Romans 2:25-29 that there is benefit in keeping the law (Torah) the issue is the false perception that righteousness can be attained by the letter of the law (i.e.) effort on the basis of self actualization, force of will, or heritage. This is the blindness of Judaism. Paul states a real Jew is one inwardly set apart to God (Circumcision) which is of the heart by the Spirit, not by the letter. Paul wrote this to the Romans…gentiles. Paul reveals the error of his brethren as a warning to the followers of the Way.

No one is capable of living by the letter of the law. David understood this when he wrote Psalm 119:1-3 those who walk in the law of the Lord from the heart are considered blameless or righteous. This does not mean that they did not sin but that their sins are covered on the basis of their heart…the spirit or intent by which the life is lived. Paul restates this idea in Romans 8:1 and goes on to reveal that our standing is the result of the completed work of Jesus Christ. A life lived by the Spirit (a difference from spirit or intent but will or effort influenced by the power of God through faith) is what makes a real Jew and a real Christian for that matter. God has not changed it was forbearance that preserved the real Jews until Christ (Romans 3:25).

I believe we are free to worship as we chose not on the basis of what a Church father wrote but on the basis of scripture. The Sabbath revealed the Architect of the Universe. It was given to Israel as a sign of identification along with the rest of the Torah. The Sabbath also pointed Israel to Christ; Jesus called Israel to the true rest of the Sabbath in Matthew 11:28. This was not an invitation to mere physical rest. All of the commandments are established in a life lived by the Spirit through faith; which is simply stated as to LOVE (Luke 10:27).

The Sabbath still has a place as it now points to the eternal rest that all will receive whose name is known by God through faith in Jesus. This is the Sabbath-rest mention by the writer of Hebrews. The Sabbath is not merely in the day. I believe, if it is kept unto the Lord by the Spirit and not the letter it is pleasing to Him; however, if another esteems everyday as a memorial to God or Sunday if it is done unto the Lord I believe it is pleasing to Him (Romans 14:5-9). God is the only Judge. Make sure you fully convinced either way.

You are so very off here Jack. Are you really so serious about this?…May I ask you several questions, when you honor your parent; when you don’t kill; commit adultery; steal; bear false witness against somebody nor covet any of his property…as a so called “Christian” and a minister…are you not keeping these laws (Part of 10 Commandments) to the letter literally?. Please do explain what you meant “if it is kept in spirit….sorry to say, you have a very confused and unscriptural response on all of your replies here.

I didn’t for one minute suggest we had to keep the law I merely said it was actually instigated before the law was given. Also as you mentioned Jesus said “sabbath was made for man and not man for the sabbath.” It’s beneficial for us to rest 🙂 And before the law was given Cain and Abel gave offerings and Noah understood the definition of clean and unclean animals before the levitical definition of “clean” or “unclean” just think its interesting. As I said before it wasn’t “given to Israel” they was commanded to “remember it by keeping it holy.” Love the website guys I also love the way you respond to the comments! 🙂 keep the articles coming 🙂 James Kurz England.

Jack,
Thanks for a great article and, as usual, a lively discussion afterwards. I think we can all agree that, if one follows Christ wholeheartedly (really, there is no other way to truly follow Him), then many of these disputed issues simply fade away (except for friendly discussions between believers). One’s salvation does not depend on whether one worships on Saturday or Sunday. Romans 14 contains some excellent words on this very issue of doctrines which Christians do not always agree on. God bless each and every follower of Jesus Christ, may we show ourselves to be faithful and steadfast in these evil days.
Yours in Christ,
Robert

Thank you Robert. I appreciate your encouragement and you are so right….thankfully we are not saved by keeping a day but only by Christ Jesus. Great point and I wish I had put that in this article. Your biblical knowledge and education always helps me and I thank you brother.

This commandment to me is one big problem,and a very controversial one. I sought of agree with Robert,because when Jesus came down he hardly mentioned it. He said in the bible I am going to give new commandments,and he also read in the synagogue, scriptures. Jesus spent most of his time out in the country teaching so in theory he broke the Sabbath. He came down to fore fill a mission. He did not come down to talk about the Sabbath. Jesus did say one important thing When two or three people are gathered in my name i am in the midst. You could say that Jesus was saying thats the day. Jesus came down to show us sinners how to get to heaven,but he had to go through it himself first,and for us to follow him the best we could to get to Heaven. The Sabbath to me his in Jesus.

Hi Jack. I got married when i was 29yrs old. I was a Roman Catholic,and the girl i was marrying was Anglican. I asked my priest would this be OK to get married,he said yes,and i will evan marry you free has a wedding present. (Then i did not know that you had to pay to get married) In short 10yrs later she went down south to see about a job. When she came back she was acting odd,and i knew something was wrong. Then about 5 days later she swallowed a half a bottle of tablets to get herself in to a mental hospital. I had a son who was 11yrs old.I dashed to my priest and told him,he said calm down it will be ok. He said i will telephone for a solicitor,and i said but i am a Catholic,and he replied it`s the law of the land. In short i got custody of my son,and the house was mine.The court said that his mother was in no fit state to look after herself. It was her fault said the priest she did the wrong.
Years later i went out with a woman,and we sort of had a sexual encounter. I want to know did i commit adultery has well(I think i did) so i have never confessed to this. Thats what i want to know and what do i do Jack.

My friend, none of us can remember to confess all sins we have committed or else we would forever be confessing them all of our lives. David once prayed to forgive him of his “secret sins” which I believe he means the ones he missed. 1 John 1:9 says that God will forgive ALL of our sins…and it doesn’t say, “well, all those you can remember” but ALL sins. I come to confess my sins before God daily on my face and I don’t name each and every one off because I can’t remember them all and certainly no one can in a lifetime. Just trust Him for He says all He means ALL…past, present, & future. Adultery included!

You have lifted a burden off of my shoulders Jack. I have always wondered if there was a tiny possibility that we could be sinning if we were attending church on Sundays instead of Saturdays as was the custom for the Jews. I appreciate your wisdom in this for the scriptures did speak and made a lot of sense. Thank you for a wonderful, detailed article on this topic. God bless you brother!

Thanks brother. I believe that James’ Scripture about if one keeps one of the laws they must keep all of them and therefore since I could not humanly do so, I would fall far short and thankfully Jesus’ sinlessness was imputed to me, otherwise, no chance for me (2 Cor 5:21). Thanks brother.

Amen…This is the absolute truth…Our righteousness is imputed.
(imputed-to attribute righteousness or guilt to a person or persons vicariously; to credit or assign as derived from another)
Am I righteousness…yes, am I under to law…no, how can this be? On account of one Jesus the Christ for He is the end of the law for righteousness. I am righteous because He is righteous. He kept every point of the law flawless so that the law might be established in me through saving faith in Him. Like Abraham we believe and it is credited to us as righteousness.

Amen MRDaniels. This post is spot on. Your comment reminds me of Paul’s in 2 Cor 5:21 which says what you just said, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God”

Nowhere in the bible does it say that God transferred the solemnity of the sabbath day from the seventh day to the first. The changing of the Sabbath Day was mans action. What authority do we have as humans to change what God Himself has put in place? None.
And if we overrule the teachings of the Old Testament regarding the keeping of the Sabbath with the New Testaments ‘saved by grace’ law, why dont we just disregard the entire Old Testament, it’s illogical that we keep SOME of the commandments in the Old Testament and ALL of the commandments in the new? The COMMANDMENTS are not guidelines – otherwise God would have called them THE 10 GUIDELINES. He commands us to REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY AND KEEP IT HOLY.
I think God knew that this would come about – Which is why he started the fourth Commandment with the word ‘REMEMBER’. God knew everyone would eventually ‘FORGET’ the true Sabbath of the Lord – so he urges us to remember and never forget that the Seventh Day was the day he rested, blessed and sanctified – different from the other six days of the week.

Ezekiel 20:12
And I gave them my Sabbath days of rest as a sign between them and me. It was to remind them that I am the LORD, who had set them apart to be holy.

Its all good and well to worship Him and give Him all the praise he deserves everyday – but there was one special day set aside for that purpose alone – HIS Sabbath Day.

Thank you Anita for your comment. When the young rich ruler came to ask Jesus what he must DO to inherit eternal life, He told the young man the commandments…all of them EXCEPT the Sabbath. I find that interesting. I do believe we need to keep the commandments but do you keep them all? Do you never lie? Do you ever covet? Etc. We are not saved by the law but by grace. I assume you attend a Sabbath-keeping church. Paul was clear when he said, “Each person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God” (Romans 14:5-6). He continued by writing, “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ” (Colossians 2:16-17). Do you have more authority than Paul? These are “shadows” and we are NOT to judge others on a “Sabbath Day”

Do you really keep the Sabbath? Are you prepared to stone or be stoned by those breaking the Sabbath? James said if you keep one Law you must keep ALL of the Law (James 2:10). Besides, no one is saved by the works (or keeping) of the Law. For those who don’t keep a Sabbath from sunset Fri to sunset Sat. If we are to keep the Sabbath then do you stone those who break the Sabbath as the Law requires? If you travel more than 3 blocks, you break the Sabbath. Exodus 20:8 was written to who? The Jews. If you want to keep the rest of the Law, then you must understand that the Torah thus prohibits driving on the basis that a labor is being performed by the act of operating a motor vehicle. The vehicle’s ignition combusts fuel, which by some is considered to violate one of the 39 prohibited activities on Shabbat, as well as creating a spark, which is likewise considered to violate a related rabbinic prohibition. (“Igniting a fire”). Isaiah 58:13-14 speaks out against travel during Sabbath Modern vehicles also have many other electrical components, such as lights, that are continually turned on and off during the course of a vehicle’s operation, often without the driver’s awareness. Besides, the laws of Sabbath place limits on the distance one may travel beyond the city/town where one is spending Sabbath, regardless of the method of transportation.

For example, if you had to travel to church over 600 cubits, then you were breaking the Sabbath and had to be stoned? How far do you want to go with Sabbath keeping? There are at least 39 categories of forbidden acts, all of which are types of work (among 600! things you can’t do on the Sabbath, some of which include:

Making two loops (required for tying one’s shoes)
Weaving two threads
Separating two threads
Tying (your shoes for example)
Untying (like your shoes or a bread)
Tearing (like opening a letter)
Salting meat (at meals)
Writing two letters
Erasing two letters
Extinguishing a fire (not good if you have a fire at home)
Kindling a fire (included turning on your heat at home)
Taking an object from the private domain to the public, or transporting an object in the public domain (Internet, etc.).

I will not judge you for keeping a Saturday Sabbath, but please don’t judge those who don’t. Are those who don’t destined to be condemned?

Grace and peace in Christ Jesus. As a former member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church I understand the importance and significance of the Sabbath. I grew up reading the writings of E.G. White, a Master Guide Pathfinder, and I attended Oakwood University majoring in Theology.

None of that information has meaning to you if you are not SDA.

I believe the biggest mistake that has been made related to the Sabbath issue is to assume or support the position that Sunday has or ever will replace the Sabbath. This is a foolish and very short sighted position. The Sabbath is Saturday (the Seventh day of the week) period.

My position is that the Sabbath is a part of the 10 commandment the Law given to Israel. The Old Testament is full of references that established the Sabbath as a sign between God. Israel did not keep the Sabbath correctly and as a result they were punished throughout the Old Testament record. The Law requires absolute and complete obedience in all points in order to earn its righteousness while condemning its offenders to death.

The Jews understood this and in an attempt the help the people keep the they added more rules to keep the people from offending the Law and in turn made it more of a burden. The Spirit of the Sabbath is for it to point continually to the one who can provide not only physical rest but rest eternal. The day is not the rest the rest is in Christ Jesus the day has significance but it is not longer a sign between God and His people. Jesus has come; I am known by God on his account through saving faith in Him. I am not under the law. I now stand on top of it established by Jesus Christ. I do not steal because the commandment says Do not steal….I do not steal because the Spirit compels me to Love my brother the way Jesus Christ loves me. I do not kill for the same reason…etc. I Love God and everyday is a great day to worship Him and serve.

The Sabbath now points me to the day of eternal rest when all things are restored but it is still now in the day. The true spirit of the Sabbath is the rest that is in Jesus Christ this is why it was made for us. So I remember the Sabbath for its signifcance not by the letter but the spirit it reminds me of the One who is soon to return. I am not under the Law; however, many as you mentioned, choose the live under part of it when it benefits (particularly relating to tithes and offerings).

Jesus stated that our righteousness must exceed the legalism of His day in order to enter the Kingdom. The 10 commandments are spiritual arithmetic given to Israel after 400 years of captivity they were basically Egyptians. God has called us to do spiritual Calculus, we are expected to Love the way Jesus Christ loved and the only way to accomplish this is by faith.

As a Christian you can keep the Sabbath in spirit worshipping God and waiting in expectation for Christ’s return, it is impossible to do so by the letter….especially since it was given in letter solely to Israel. You can also go on Sunday because the Good Shepherd Jesus Christ rose on Sunday if you chose. We are not under the law, it is important to understand that Gentiles did not keep the Sabbath and a close look at Judaism will reveal the Jews believed the Sabbath was their sole possession.

Much of the New Testament is written to Gentiles and the Bible warns us not to forfeit the New by putting on the Old.

If you took the Sabbath literately,you would have to keep these 2 Commandments which are simple – Thou shalt not kill,and Thou shalt commit Adultery. Thou shalt not kill,and then you could say in all the wars that have been fought right up until the present men have killed. Then again it`s not that simple,because there is a war called a just war. In each case a side believes they are the just. Who is to say which one is just,but the point is they are killing. Under the same commandment. You are not to hate anybody,or fight,or take revenge. Then Jesus confuses us by saying love your enemies,and do unto other`s what you would do to your self. Very hard to follow.
Committing adultery simple,again simple. So if we do not do this,it`s OK to fornicate, watch pornographic films,pictures,masturbate,and each sex to look at each other lustfully,and again Jesus throws a spanner in the works by saying if you do this you have already committed adultery.
It`s the same has the Sabbath,under this one evan Jesus technically broke the Sabbath. The Apostles certainly did,or did they. Jesus says that the Sabbath was made for man,not man for the Sabbath. The people that worship on the Sabbath worship to God with a true heart,and the same thing applies to the people who worship on a Sunday.
What would God say with a true Heart?

Amen my friend. God looks at the heart and the intent of our hearts in worship not on the day of the week. The Sabbath was not made to be a weight of rules or do this or do that but it was made for man and Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath and not man being lord of the Sabbath. You make some great points sir.

Brother I agree with your point; however, Jesus did not break the Sabbath to say so would mean he committed sin and is not the Christ…. in addition, a more accurate translation of thou shalt not kill would be thou shalt not murder…there is a big difference.

Killing- is depriving of life,or to destroy.
Murder- unlawful killing of a human being.
I can`t see much difference the word “Killing” is the key word,and it`s in both meanings.
The only difference i can see is in man`s law,but again both words are used in a court of law.
I know Jesus didn`t break the Sabbath,because he believed in the spirit of the law. The Jews followed the letter of the law which were made for men. Thats why Jesus said the sabbath was made for man,not man for the sabbath,but the Jews new this,and Jesus told them there errors,but they took no notice.

I agree with you Brother Cotton I simply wanted to show a distinction between killing and murder. Killing destroys life and murder destroys life unlawfully. As you stated “there is a war called a just war”. Israel fought many just or righteous wars and many people died; however, the soldiers were not murderers.

I would never, ever, classify the wars and military excursions of our age as just or righteous (spent 8 years in the U.S. Army) but there is a difference that is revealed in scripture. In the example of David one act justified the other act punished. The context of this word in the Hebrew (ratsach) relates to the unlawful destruction of life. In fact many Bible translations make this clear by using the word murder instead of kill. This idea of murder extends to all life, every animal that has the breath of the spirit of life. If the animal is not hunted for food it is unlawful killing; Big Game hunting and the likes included.

There are two words first the Hebrew word “raw-tsakh”,and the Greek word “phoneuw”
In the Hebrew translation is “Kill”(Exod.20:13and Deut 5:17)and as “Murder”(Jer 7:9 and Deut 5:17)
The Greek word “phoneuw” means “to Kill,Slay and Murder.
The two are used synonymously in english,and scripture.
For example if a man shoots another man in front of a witness,the witness may say “You Killed Him”. That is true,but he will be charged with murder. Common sense,and our english dictionaries demonstrate that these two words mean the same.
God intended for us to kill animals for food,and clothing,but if you go out of your way to hunt,and kill an animal for sport God does not improve of that. It`s the same has abortion in many countries that a doctor can legally kill an unborn child,and euthanasia in some countries it is legal,but not many. It`s the mistranslation`s that are wrong. Jesus evan taught this on the Sermon on the Mount. This is quite clear in the bible(depending which version you read) Just wars come into this has well, here we use the word kill,because man does not like it to be called murder(It`s uncomfortable to use this word) God will decide the out come,not us. To be quite honest this is where scholars argue on. The mistranslations in the bible are numerous to count. We are doing it now,or i should i say i am doing now. I do not intend for this to be a debate.
I agree with you on many points. I must stress it`s down to these mistranslations. I used to be a Catholic,but something very profound happened to me about 3yrs ago God opened my eyes,and i could see what the Catholic church was teaching was wrong,and the Holy Spirit led me to this sight before many others. I hope you understand this Brother Medan,and peace be with you.

Yes i did mention a just war,but i did not invent it.
To me one soldier on one side is trying to kill the other soldier on the other side. They are both soldiers taking their order`s from above. They both joined the army,and they have got to do what they are told kill each other no matter what.
The sad part is they might be both married,and have children,and none of the soldier`s want to die. I just wonder what God would say about this?

MANY people often confuse Moses Law with God’s 10 Commandment law, but they are very different.
Moses’ law was the temporary, ceremonial law of the Old Testament. It regulated the priesthood, sacrifices, rituals, meat and drink offerings, etc., all of which foreshadowed the cross. This law was added “till the seed should come,” and that seed was Christ (Galatians 3:16, 19). The ritual and ceremony of Moses’ law pointed forward to Christ’s sacrifice. When He died, this law came to an end, but the Ten Commandments (God’s law) “stand fast for ever and ever.” Psalm 111:7,8.
There are two laws that are made crystal clear in the following verses below. Daniel 9:10 is talking about God’s law and verse 11 is talking about Moses’ law:
“Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets.”
“Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.” Daniel 9:10,11

Special Note: Please note that God’s law has existed at least as long as sin has existed. The Bible says, “Where no law is, there is no transgression [or sin].” Romans 4:15. So God’s Ten Commandment law existed from the beginning. Men broke that law. “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” 1 John 3:4 Because of sin (or breaking God’s law), Moses’ law was given (or “added” Galatians 3:16, 19) till Christ should come and die. Two separate laws involved: God’s law and Moses’ law.

Moses Law
10 Commandments

Called “the law of Moses”
LUKE 2:22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord. Called “the Law of the Lord”
ISA. 5:24 Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
Called “Law contained in ordinances”
EPH. 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace. Called “the Royal law”
JAMES 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
Written by Moses in a book
2 CHRON. 35:12 And they removed the burnt offerings, that they might give according to the divisions of the families of the people, to offer unto the LORD, as it is written in the book of Moses. And so did they with the oxen. Written by God on stone
EXO. 31:18 And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.
EXO. 32:16 And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables.
Placed in the side of the ark
DEUT. 31:26 Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee. Placed inside the ark
EXO. 40:20 And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above upon the ark:
Ended at the cross
EPH. 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace. Will stand forever
LUKE 16:17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.
Added because of sin
GAL. 3:19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Points out sin
ROM. 7:7 What shall we say then? is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.
ROM. 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Contrary to us, against us
COL. 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross. Not grievous
1 JOHN 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
Judges no man
COL. 2:14-16 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Judges all men
JAM. 2:10-12 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
Carnal
HEB. 7:16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. Spiritual
ROM. 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
Made nothing perfect
HEB. 7:19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. Perfect
PSALMS 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

The Ten Commandments
1.Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
2.Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.
3.Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
4.Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5.Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
6.Thou shalt not kill.
7.Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8.Thou shalt not steal.
9.Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
10.Thou shalt not covet… any thing that is thy neighbour’s.
The Ten Commandments in All Four Books of Scripture
Moses repeats the Ten Commandments in Deuteronomy 5:6-21, and later the Lord gave us the Ten Commandments in each of the other books of scripture, although not always exactly in the same form:
•The New Testament: Matthew 5:17-37
•Book of Mormon: Mosiah 13:12-24
•Doctrine and Covenants: 42:18-29; 59:5-9
We Cannot Break the Ten Commandments
The Old Testament Institute Manual is an excellent resource for studying the Ten Commandments more fully. The manual quotes Cecil B. DeMille, producer of the movie The Ten Commandments, as saying:
“If man will not be ruled by God, he will certainly be ruled by tyrants- and there is no tyranny more imperious or more devastating than man’s own selfishness, without law.

“We cannot break the Ten Commandments. We can only break ourselves against them- or else, by keeping them, rise through them to the fulness of freedom under GOd. God means us to be free. With divine daring, He gave us the power of choice.”1
The Ten Commandments are not a lower law, but are the basic foundation of law that the gospel of Jesus Christ is built upon. Not only are the Ten Commandments essential to our salvation but they teach us the importance of our relationship to God, our family, and our fellowmen.

MANY people often confuse Moses Law with God’s 10 Commandment law, but they are very different.
Moses’ law was the temporary, ceremonial law of the Old Testament. It regulated the priesthood, sacrifices, rituals, meat and drink offerings, etc., all of which foreshadowed the cross. This law was added “till the seed should come,” and that seed was Christ (Galatians 3:16, 19). The ritual and ceremony of Moses’ law pointed forward to Christ’s sacrifice. When He died, this law came to an end, but the Ten Commandments (God’s law) “stand fast for ever and ever.” Psalm 111:7,8.
There are two laws that are made crystal clear in the following verses below. Daniel 9:10 is talking about God’s law and verse 11 is talking about Moses’ law:
“Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets.”
“Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.” Daniel 9:10,11

Special Note: Please note that God’s law has existed at least as long as sin has existed. The Bible says, “Where no law is, there is no transgression [or sin].” Romans 4:15. So God’s Ten Commandment law existed from the beginning. Men broke that law. “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” 1 John 3:4 Because of sin (or breaking God’s law), Moses’ law was given (or “added” Galatians 3:16, 19) till Christ should come and die. Two separate laws involved: God’s law and Moses’ law.

Moses Law
10 Commandments

Called “the law of Moses”
LUKE 2:22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord. Called “the Law of the Lord”
ISA. 5:24 Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
Called “Law contained in ordinances”
EPH. 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace. Called “the Royal law”
JAMES 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
Written by Moses in a book
2 CHRON. 35:12 And they removed the burnt offerings, that they might give according to the divisions of the families of the people, to offer unto the LORD, as it is written in the book of Moses. And so did they with the oxen. Written by God on stone
EXO. 31:18 And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.
EXO. 32:16 And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables.
Placed in the side of the ark
DEUT. 31:26 Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee. Placed inside the ark
EXO. 40:20 And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above upon the ark:
Ended at the cross
EPH. 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace. Will stand forever
LUKE 16:17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.
Added because of sin
GAL. 3:19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Points out sin
ROM. 7:7 What shall we say then? is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.
ROM. 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Contrary to us, against us
COL. 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross. Not grievous
1 JOHN 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
Judges no man
COL. 2:14-16 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Judges all men
JAM. 2:10-12 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
Carnal
HEB. 7:16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. Spiritual
ROM. 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
Made nothing perfect
HEB. 7:19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. Perfect
PSALMS 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

The 10 commandments are not just for Israel. They’re for mankind and they’ve never expired. In Matt. 5:17 Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” The difference between Israel and the Church is that Jesus paid the penalty in advance for our violations of the Law, so we don’t have to (Colossians 2:13-14). When Paul said we are not under the Law, he meant we are not subject to the penalties for breaking it.

Most who profess to follow Christ believe that all of the Ten Commandments were abolished by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. They believe that Christ came to “do away” with those “harsh” commandments. Some believe He re-instituted some of them. Still others believe that He replaced the Ten Commandments with a new commandment.

Although these people may be sincere, they have been deceived by the “god of this world” (II Cor. 4:4; Rev. 12:9), who has used his false ministers to spoon-feed them with doctrinal falsehood (II Cor. 11:13-15).

Instead of allowing the Bible to interpret itself, most people read into scripture whatever meaning they already have been handed and assume is correct. They gloss over what Christ said in Matthew 5: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am come not to destroy, but to fulfill” (vs. 17). This is the same Christ who prophesied in Isaiah 42: “The LORD is well pleased for His righteousness’ sake; He will magnify the law, and make it honorable” (vs. 21).

What about you? Are you willing to let the Bible interpret itself? Are you willing to approach scripture with a teachable, open mind and allow God to “speak” to you—tell you His will—through His Word?

If so, you have already set yourself apart from most, of whom Christ said, “This people honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. Howbeit in vain do they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men…Full well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your own tradition” (Mark 7:6-9).

Thank you Sherlyn for your comment. No one is suggesting that we are doing away with the Ten Commandments. Do you think a person could keep the Ten Commandments in their life? Has anyone ever kept them perfectly except Christ? Can a person go to hell for not keeping Saturday? I am just curious what you are suggesting here. Thank you for any reply.

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome”. In regards to your question above and the forementioned verse, Yes Jack, Any person who abide in the loved of Jesus Christ can keep the 10 Commandments.
I would like to ask you a question in return if you don’t mind, Why among the 10 Commandments, the Sabbath command is the hardest act to follow in the whole “Christiandom”, while Christ is telling his believers “If you love me, keep my commandment”. Nowhere in the Bible Christ declared nor changed the day to worship Him. In Hebrew 13:8, confirmed who Jesus Christ is ”
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Now tell me Jack, as a Church Minister, with all honesty, what day a truth-seeking Christian should worship on and keep Holy, the day Jesus Christ himself kept, sanctifed (an example for us to follow) and commanded? or the man-made unbiblical, untruthful false “worship” day most Christians follow?.

In Hebrews 13:8 it say..”Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Thank you for your reply if any.

Hello Sherlyn. May I suggest that the law as it was written was not written to Gentiles? It was specifically written to the Jews. As Gentiles, we must certainly strive to live a life worthy of the calling of Christ, but this whole discussion you are adamantly arguing with Jack about is not a salvational issue. God wants a relationship with us, period. Would He reject you from wanting to glorify His Name on a Sunday? Heaven forbid! I would hope not! If you are going to follow the law 100%, as you seem to be arguing, I wonder if you are married. If so, did your husband take an entire year off of work to enjoy his first year with you as stated in Deuteronomy 24:5? Do you ever leave your house on the Sabbath? Exodus 16:29 forbids it. Please understand that I just want you to see that if you are going to follow Old Testament law, you must follow it completely. Christ came to fulfill the law and He did it, indeed. The greatest law in Christ’s eyes is, “You shall love the Lord your God with all of your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all of your strength.” This is what is important. We are not under the Old Testament laws anymore. If so, we would be offering burnt sacrifices and peace offerings and all of the things described in the Old Testament. Are you following through with these teachings?

Hi Derek, Shalom
Your pressumptous suggestion that the “10 commandment is not for the gentiles but only forthe Jews is not only dangerous, perverted, and confusing but also unscriptural. Can you subscribe me to specific verse in the new in the new testament that Christ made this declaration and if you do so find one, co-relate it with what Christ clearly stated in John 14:15 that says “If you love Me, you will keep My Commandments (This is having a “close relationship with Christ is all about…period). Now are you “suggesting” Christ is “confused” in what He preached? or yourself (and many other so called Christ followers) are confused. Are you suggesting too, that Christ is a liar on what He said in the verse above? The Bible is not a book of confusion Derek, but the word of God to enlight ALL Mankind of how, what, where, when, and who God is.

Sorry Derek, I would rather take the word of Jesus Christ than yours’ or anybody’s “presumptous suggestion” on this regard. Please do read the bible again and stop relying on what others says, especially those so called “ministers”. The bible can speak for itself if you allow it.

The very reason why there’s so much killing, adultery, stealing, etc in this world committed amongst the so called Christians these days is the consequensial preceedence of your unbiblical reasoning (teaching).
So you meant to say you will allow and ok for another Christian to steal your money or have a adulterous relationship with your girlfriend or wife (if you are married)?…GOD FORBID…is that what you meant and being serious about it?.
Lets be honest here, among the 10 commandments of God, Why is the worship (4th commandment) day that God sanctify and asked us to observed is the hardest act to follow among the 10 for majority of “Christian” in the world. Why? There’s nothing wrong glorify God on Sundays and any other day including Saturdays, but God’s 10 Commandments is very spefic on the day to worship Him that He “SANCTIFIED”.
Did God sanctified “Sunday”? Any verse in the bible Derek you can find? Did you get the picture?
Here’s some Bible verse to ponder upon that would help you:
“If you love Me, You will keep My commandments” ..Heb14:15 (new Testament)

Ten Reasons why the Sabbath is for all mankind:

1) Adam and Eve were not Jewish. “God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it” (Genesis 2:3) before sin entered. “Sanctified” means “to be set apart for holy use.” The only ones in the Garden of Eden for whom the Sabbath was “set apart” were Adam and Eve, who weren’t Jewish.
2) “The Sabbath was made for man.” Mark 2:27. Jesus said this. It was “made” in the Garden of Eden before it was “written” down on Mount Sinai. The Sabbath was “made” for “man,” not just Jews.
3) The other nine commandments are not “just for Jews.” God wrote “Ten Commandments” on stone, not just nine (See Deut. 4:12, 13; Ex. 20). Does “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” and “Do not bear false witness” does these commandment apply only to Jews?
4) “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” Exodus 20:10. God calls the Sabbath, “my Holy day.” Isaiah 58:13. The Bible never calls it “the Sabbath of the Jews.” It isn’t their Sabbath, but God’s.
5) The Sabbath commandment is for the “stranger” too. The fourth commandment itself says the “stranger” is to rest on the Sabbath. Exodus 20:10. “Strangers” are non-Jews, or Gentiles. Thus the Sabbath applies to them too. Read also Isaiah 56:6.
6) Isaiah said Gentiles should keep the Sabbath. “Also the sons of the stranger … every one that keeps the Sabbath … for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.” Isaiah 56:6, 7. Thus the Sabbath is for Gentiles and “all people,” not just for Jews.
7) “All” mankind will keep the Sabbath in the New Earth. In “the new earth … from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, says the Lord.” Isaiah 66:22, 23. Here God says that “all flesh” we will be keeping the Sabbath in “the new earth.” If this is the case – and it is – shouldn’t we start now?
8) Gentiles kept the Sabbath in the Book of Acts. “The Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath … Paul and Barnabas … persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.”‘ Acts 13:42, 43. Here saved-by-grace Gentiles kept the Sabbath (see also verse 44).
9) “The law” [of Ten Commandments] is for “all the world,” not just for Jews. Paul wrote these words. Read Romans 2:17-23; 3:19, 23.
10) Luke was a Gentile who kept the Sabbath. Luke was the only Gentile who wrote any New Testament books (he wrote The Gospel According to St. Luke and The Acts of the Apostles). Luke traveled with Paul and wrote, “On the Sabbath we went out of the city by a river side.” Acts 16:13. It was the seventh-day Sabbath, the memorial of the creation (see Ex. 20:11). Both Luke and Paul knew it.

Sheryln, I said nothing of it being ok to steal or commit adultery. I am confused as to where you got that from, but you still managed to dodge all of the questions I asked. If you are married, did your husband take a year off of work to enjoy his new found union with you? Do you leave your house on the sabbath ever?

Derek, one of Mat’s comments was removed because it was so rude and was calling you a name and part of it was “DO YOU GET the DRIFT NOW Derek?, Or you are just playing as a stiffneck not to swallow the hard fact and truth about God’s 10 Commandments” and the tone of the rest of it was so harsh and condemning that I removed it. Personal attacks are not going to be allowed here Mat. You end with Shalom. Do you realize that means “peace?”

You must believe that we are saved by keeping the Ten Commandments. For the Sabbath is Exodus 35:3: “You shall kindle no fire throughout your dwellings on the Sabbath day.” We have already touched on the Jewish interpretation that forbids the running of combustion engines, the turning on of electric circuits, and the lighting of stoves, heaters, lamps and candles on the Sabbath. Strictly observant Jews will either do without these conveniences or light them before the Sabbath. The Hebrew appears to be correctly translated in this verse—the word for “fire” is the common one often used for cooking fires. The word for “kindle” is also frequently translated “burn” elsewhere—the only other possible translation of this verse would forbid the burning of any fires on the Sabbath. This author has heard one historian speak of one Jewish group who forbade all fires on the Sabbath, but the entire group died during one cold winter. Somehow, we do not believe that this is what the Creator wanted us to do.

Exodus 16:29 says:

…Let every man remain in his place; let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.

How far is “out of his place?” Obviously, some of the people went to the tabernacle (and later the temple) on the Sabbath. This was utterly required when some of the holy days fell on the Sabbath. The march around Jericho must have occurred on a Sabbath. The Rabbis set this distance at about 2000 cubits or a little over one half mile. We can be virtually certain that this definition was commonly known in the first century: “Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey” (Acts 1:12).

On the Sabbath, you can’t even tie a shoe string. If you want to keep the Sabbath then you can’t drive to church (kindling a fire), you can’t travel more than 400 cubits, you can’t…hundreds more and so in your keeping the Sabbath, then you should be stoned to death.

Jesus said the in Matth 22:3740, “esus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 ALL the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.

Finally, Colossians 2:16-17 says “Let no man therefore judge you in meat or in drink, or in respect of a festival day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbaths” yet you are judging, no, condemning us for this. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

No one is saved by the Law, we are saved by grace alone in Christ alone. Please read Eph 2:8-9

(Rom. 3:20, 28) – “because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin…For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.”
(Galatians 2:16) – “nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified.”

Again I ask you, yet you have not answered, do those who don’t keep a Saturday Sabbath go to hell?

Do you think a person could keep the Ten Commandments in their life? Has anyone ever kept them perfectly except Christ? Can a person go to hell for not keeping Saturday? I am just curious what you are suggesting here. Please answer this as you have not and this is my 3rd and final response, otherwise I am done with you.

Ever wonder what Jesus thought of the Ten Commandments? The answer can be found in John 8:36 where it says, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

The Ten Commandments represent the law given by God to his people by way of Moses. In addition to defining God’s idea of perfection, they provide a moral code for governing our lives. Most of us believe we are able to keep these commandments, but the truth is-none of us can. God’s standards are so high, they are impossible to perfectly meet.

What did Jesus think of the Ten Commandments? He agreed that they are impossible for you and me to keep. That’s why He came.

As a man, Jesus understood our limitations. But because He was also fully God, He was able to become the perfect, sinless man on our behalf. God’s law demands a sacrifice for breaking His law. Jesus became that sacrifice.

If the Ten Commandments are impossible for us to keep, why did God give them? If we look closely, we’ll see that the commandments are based on a simple, positive foundation of love. All of us would rather hear about what we can do rather than what we are forbidden to do. But an honest examination of the Ten Commandments reveals that God’s message contains more what “to do” than “not to do” items.

The Ten Commandments teach us how to first love God, and then love our neighbor. When God is first in our lives, the rest comes naturally. Let’s take a walk together through the 10 Commandments. . .where we’ll discover they lead to Jesus.

The first commandment says, “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). In other words, love God above everything. It’s all too easy for us to push God aside in favor of the latest fad, fashion trend, or superstar. We can become easily obsessed with wrong ideas about success. If God is truly first in our lives, we’ll find balance and grow to godly maturity. In time, we’ll also discover we can be satisfied with what we have.

God wants us to use his name positively, not in vain. He wants us to concentrate on his word and his ways, on remembering the Sabbath day by honoring God with our choices. It is good to honor our father and mother; we should always treat family members with respect.

Do not kill, do not commit adultery, and do not steal. Those three commandments value life and relationship and respecting others.

Not bearing false witness against your neighbor, and not coveting what belongs to your neighbor applies to men and women, young and old — everyone. Consider how much more peaceful our world would be if everyone kept these commandments.

Each commandment is a separate rule but together they offer directions on how to live without sin. As long as we are in this world, we will find it difficult not to sin. The good news is, Jesus came to rescue us from the penalty of sin. This does not mean we should willfully sin; as we’ve discussed, the Ten Commandments are given for our personal and mutual benefit. But if we accept the sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf, we can escape the judgment for sin — which is eternal life, separated from God.

So, do you wonder what Jesus says about the 10 commandments?

His answer lies at the foot of a cross, but started a long time ago, when God used His Almighty finger to write some commandments to live by. And the one time He did, they were meant for all time.

Jesus did not do away with the moral law at the cross, but his sacrifice for mankind revealed the grace and forgiveness available to us.

If we live by these laws on our own, we would know heaven on earth. Because we are unable to, we live in a sinful world. That’s why we need a Savior, and His name is Jesus.

What does Jesus say about the Ten Commandments? He asks us to look at the Cross of Calvary where he died to set us free.

God bless you Brenda.You explained it clearly and beautifully. The bible can speak for itself when you allowed to. The Bible is even clear to announce who are God’s people (saints)are in the last days in the last book of the bible, on Revelations 14:12 that says: Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. The two distinct mark of God’s people confirmed from the mount of God. In the old testament God’s warning in Deutoronomy 4:2, Do not ADD to what I command you and do not SUBTRACT from it, but keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I give you; is repeated by the word of Christ in Revelation, the last book of the Bible, chapter 22:14, 18-19, Christ says to all and warns all by saying—“Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right (God-promised ownership) to the tree of life and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Christ warns in verse 18, “For I testify unto every man that hears the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Christ is warning here in Revelation, if anyone who believes he has been accepted into the book of life, must remember that he can be taken out of Christ’s book of eternal life, meaning his salvation will be taken away if he adds or takes away from God’s Word, or if he is supporting any minister who adds and takes away from Christ’s Prophecy and Law, that Christ commands to be kept, as written in Revelation.
Jesus Christ in Revelation, states the life and death importance of keeping His commandments, and warns all believers that if they do not keep His commandments that their name will be taken out of the book of life even after their name had been established in that book. Did Jesus Christ teach the importance of keeping God’s 10 commandments by His earlier instructions He gave to a certain man who asked Him what is required to receive eternal life? Christ told the young man and all believers today that they must keep the commandments and then He named the commandments that He gave to Moses in Exodus 20, as the commandments He was referring to as the commandments to be kept.
Christ inspired James to write down in James 2:10, if you think you are keeping the whole law, and offend, that is sin against someone, which is breaking any one point of God’s 10 commandments, you are guilty of breaking all of His commandments, and you are a sinner, a transgressor of the law, as summed up in God’s 10 commandments. Christ went on to say in Revelation 22:14, “that those that do His commandments have the right (promise of God) to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates in the city.” Then after Christ said this about His commandments, He said in Verse 18, “For I testify unto every man that hears the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.” God continues to say in Verse 19, “And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Jesus christ, the revealer of the book of Revelation, makes it crystal clear in this book, the serious importance of keeping His commandments in order to be saved or else be left on the outside of the heavenly city with all the whoremongers, sorcerers, murderers, and idolaters awaiting their judgment!

Have you kept the Ten Commandments perfectly? Have you ever lied, have you ever stolen something, even if its a pen from work? Have you ever hated someone as Jesus said you have committed murder in your heart? Are we saved by keeping a day or by Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12)?

Let’s briefly look at these arguments. First, nowhere does the Fourth Commandment say that Christians are to worship on the Sabbath. It commands that we rest on that day: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shall you labor, and do all your work: But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God: in it you shall not do any work . . . For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it” (Exodus 20:8–11). Sabbath-keepers worship on Saturday. However, the word “Satur-day” comes from the Latin for “Saturn’s day,” a pagan day of worship of the planet Saturn (astrology).

If a Christian’s salvation depends upon his keeping a certain day, surely God would have told us. At one point, the apostles gathered specifically to discuss the relationship of believers to the Law of Moses. Acts 15:5–11, 24–29 was God’s opportunity to make His will clear to His children. All He had to do to save millions from damnation was say, “Remember to keep the Sabbath holy,” and millions of Christ-centered, God-loving, Bible-believing Christians would have gladly kept it. Instead, the only commands the apostles gave were to “abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication.”

There isn’t even one command in the New Testament for Christians to keep the Sabbath holy. In fact, we are told not to let others judge us regarding Sabbaths (Colossian 2:16), and that man was not made for the Sabbath, but the Sabbath for man (Mark 2:27). The Sabbath was given as a sign to Israel (Exodus 31:13–17); nowhere is it given as a sign to the Church. Thousands of years after the Commandment was given we can still see the sign that separates Israel from the world—they continue to keep the Sabbath holy.

The apostles came together on the first day of the week to break bread (Acts 20:7). The collection was taken on the first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:2). When do Sabbath-keepers gather together to break bread or take up the collection? It’s not on the same day as the early Church. They tell us that the Roman Catholic church changed their day of worship from Saturday to Sunday, but what has that got to do with the disciples keeping the first day of the week? That was the Roman Catholic church in the early centuries, not the Church of the Book of Acts.

Romans 14:5–10 tells us that one man esteems one day of the week above another; another esteems every day alike. Then Scripture tells us that everyone should be fully persuaded in his own mind. We are not to judge each other regarding the day on which we worship.

Jesus did keep the Sabbath. He had to keep the whole Law to be the perfect sacrifice. The Bible makes it clear that the Law has been satisfied in Christ. The reason Paul went to the synagogue each Sabbath wasn’t to keep the Law; that would have been contrary to everything he taught about being saved by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8,9). It was so he could preach the gospel to the Jews, as evident in the Book of Acts. Paul had an incredible evangelistic zeal for Israel to be saved (Romans 10:1). To the Jew he became as a Jew, that he might win the Jews (1 Corinthians 9:19,20). That meant he went to where they gathered on the day they gathered.

D. L. Moody said, “The Law can only chase a man to Calvary, no further.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law so we are no longer in bondage to it. If we try to keep one part of the Law (even out of love for God), we are obligated to keep the whole Law (Galatians 3:10)—all 613 precepts. If those who insist on keeping the Sabbath were as zealous about the salvation of the lost as they are about other Christians keeping the Sabbath, we would see revival.

For example, if you had to travel to church over 400 cubits, then you were breaking the Sabbath and had to be stoned? How far do you want to go with Sabbath keeping? There are at least 39 categories of forbidden acts, all of which are types of work (among 600! things you can’t do on the Sabbath, some of which include:

Making two loops (required for tying one’s shoes)
Weaving two threads
Separating two threads
Tying (your shoes for example)
Untying (like your shoes or a bread)
Tearing (like opening a letter)
Salting meat (at meals)
Writing two letters
Erasing two letters
Extinguishing a fire (not good if you have a fire at home)
Kindling a fire (included turning on your heat at home)
Taking an object from the private domain to the public, or transporting an object in the public domain (Internet, etc.).

I will not judge you for keeping a Saturday Sabbath, but please don’t judge those who don’t. Are those who don’t destined to be condemned?

Again I ask, are you saying that those who don’t keep a Saturday Sabbath are condemned? Please answer this question and also are you not breaking the Sabbath by these things above like tying shoe laces, traveling too far for church, igniting a fire (for starting cars or heating your home) and if so, aren’t you to be stoned in the Law?

I have really did a lot of research about the Sabbath.
The Sabbath is the Lords Day Jesus Himself said so! in fact, the expression “The Lords Day” appears only once in the bible in Revelation 1:10 Lord Of The Sabbath Mark 2-27:28.
Jesus did not observe the “Jewish Sabbath” Christ observed :The Lords Sabbath that existed right from the time of creation. He observed the “Lords Sabbath”,with the people of Judah. The Jewish Sabbath is quite different from the Lord,s Sabbath. On the Lords Sabbath you can tie your shoe laces,make a fire,and all of the rest of that rubbish. Like Jesus said if a sheep fell down a hole on the Sabbath you would get the sheep out. In other words Jesus is saying you can tie your shoe laces,make a fire,and put salt on your food. This is what Jesus meant you obey the Spirit of the Sabbath which Jesus is the “Lord Of The Sabbath”
All of the apostles taught on the “Lord`s Sabbath” to the pagan`s. You mentioned St Paul Jack, He taught to the the pagan`s on the “Lords Sabbath”and you are quite right what you said about St Paul. St Paul went out of his way to explain the Sabbath to the pagan`s. Where has the Jewish Sabbath has a list what you can do,and what you can`t do. The Lords Sabbath has none of this rubbish in the Sabbath. It`s the laws of men that have made these rules not Jesus. Evan the the great Christian Emperor Constantine enforced it from the Sabbath to the Sunday. because he was once a pagan,and worshiped the Sun,and the early Christian`s were told to worship on a Sunday which they were not doing.
From St Peter the Catholic Church changed that from Saturday to Sunday. The Church of England followed up that from King Henry The VIII they too followed suit,and worshiped on a Sunday. I must stress that it was man`s doing not Jesus. I would go has far to say more people worship the Pope than Jesus. This is because i was once a Roman Catholic,and Catholic`s can`t get away from what the Pope says(Again a Man) if you don`t do what He say`s you are going against the Catholic Church,and what Jesus taught.
The two religion`s the Jewish,and Catholic`s are both the same they go by the laws of “Man” not the Lord Of The Sabbath Jesus. Jesus made this quite clear in the New Testament when he said “No One Comes To the Farther Except Through Me.” To me St Paul, from what he said i would take His Word about the Sabbath. If you really want to know when the Sabbath is read what St Paul say`s.

Thank you so much Anthony. I love that you are studying the Word of God and church history. Paul fought against the Judiazers everywhere he went…and everywhere he went, they followed to overturn what he taught. Romans 14:5-12 puts any controversy to bed in my opinion:

“One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written:

“As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me,
And every tongue shall confess to God.”So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.”

Thats what i mean about St Paul when he said that one man makes a day more important than any other,where has another man treats them all the same.
When the Jewish nation was scatted there was about four groups went off to the North,South,East,and West. When the Sabbath came their was confusion,because they were in a different time zone,and did not know when the Sabbath was on. They contacted the Pharisee`s in Jerusalem to find out what day it was on,and they replied it`s the same has here in Jerusalem. Which you and I Jack, know that`s impossible. You live in Kansas,and in England the Sabbath would come first. Australia would be the first country to receive the Sabbath. I also listened to John Piper again on this subject,and i agree with him 100%.
I don`t know about in America(Which is Vast) but in England the Saturday is a sports day,and the women go shopping. Sunday you go to church,after church you can do your own thing. The men generally go to the pub,or you and your wife,and the kids go to the seaside or where ever. This is not keeping the Sabbath day holy. Jesus did not say go to church then you can go to the pub after,and prob`ably get drunk.
God said keep the “DAY” holy not just an hour or two.
I took heart from John Piper,because he mentioned one person in his house can do this,but it is better when there is a group of you that gather in God`s name,and marvel at what he did for us,and be thankful.I am still looking for a lay person to come to my house. Unfortunately in England religion is on the decline,and this is difficult problem i am faced with. I agree 100% with what you said Jack,because i have read it.
I have always liked St Paul`s attitude that much i named my son after Him,but unfortunately my son does not believe. He said it`s just a load of rubbish(But i am working on him slowly) I see that people have disagreed with you about the Sabbath. To me they are taken literally like the Pharisee`s did. I think i have been on this site now for about two years now,and when Jesus said it would not be easy. He is absolutely right. The sin i was committing is getting less and less now,but i still fall,but i get straight back up. God bless you Jack in your work.

Oh Anthony, I wish I could bring the church to you since you are not able to go to the church. How sad that more Christians don’t go to those who are “shut-ins.”

I too love the name Paul and that is a great name for any son. I appreciate you so much my friend and your prayers are coveted. I am having a hard time being a pastor, working too at a job, and keeping up with the comments here as I have made almost 5,000 in the last 2 years. My hands hurt.

It`s frustrating not to talk to a layperson. I would love to spend the Sabbath with one. Before i came to this sight i was dead in spirit,but since that day when God opened my eyes,and led me to this sight, my eyes have been opened wider,thanks to you Jack.
I can fully understand it being hard for you,and i have read the comments that have disagreed with you. I had that trouble on a previous site. They take it too literally especially the Sabbath.
I think your brain needs a rest not your hands,and a lot of people don`t realize you do it for the good of them.
I have started to download John Piper`s sermon`s,because he explains it to you like a child,and if he thinks you have missed the meaning the first time he gives you another meaning.
To be quite honest i don`t know how you do it,but it must be the Holy Spirit that`s keeping you going Jack.At the moment i am looking at Revelations 17 3:11 Johns vision by an angel when the world will end(The Angel did not tell him that) That God would give us signs? I realize what you have to put up with. You are doing God`s work,and God will bless you for that Jack.

Hello Anthony. I simply love John Piper. That man’s teachings are so rock-solid and you can hear this man’s passion for Christ and his desire to know more about God. Few people have even heard of him and it is their great loss.

Yes, I don’t know how I do it either but you nailed it friend. It is by God’s Spirit, otherwise I would fold like a house of cards in a hurricane. I believe there are signs now that God is sending to us thru the church, the news, and the weather. We are experiencing a blizzard right now and it is one of the worst ever. I truly thank God for you my good friend. I wish I could meet you before we see each other in heaven…but, oh well, then we’ll have all the time in the world.

I thought John Piper would be well known,all of his sermon`s are free the same has his sound sermons. Yes I fully agree with you about John Piper. I find him magnetic,and truly a man of God.
I agree with you also about the ending of this world. I have been reading Revelations 17 3:11 Johns vision from an angel. It mentions the Whore of Babylon are assigned to Rome which is built on 7 hills is not so because there countries that are are too large a number to mention. Here is a few – Jordan,Albany New York,Tehran,Melbourne,Bath England,Moscow,and Lisbon. You have to jump in time for this the Beast 7 heads = 7 kings.
In 1992 Benito Mussolini and Pope Pius 11th had a meeting to try and solve the problem between the Italian people. They had a treaty called the Lateran Treaty on the 11th Feb 1929,and they decided to make the next pope a King. This made the Vatican and Italy 2 different countries. That meant the first head of the beast was the first king a pope. There where six more kings to follow Popes who have died. Then the seventh pope would have a short reign Which is true. I don`t know if you seen on the news that 2 lightning bolts hit the cross at the top of St Peter`s Dome,and at the same time the pope resigned which was very unusual,because it is very rare that a pope resigns he was the 7th king. The angel told john that it would be the 8th king(Pope)and the one of the previous popes would be a fallen angel that would impersonate a previous pope to still make him the seventh king. Angels have the power to take on human form. The pope that the fallen angel will impersonate will be Pope John Paul II. They are going to elect a new pope at Easter i am waiting with bated breath to see if he is the fallen angel that John saw in the vision from the angel.If this does not happen the vision must refer to something else. The vision all works out to this happening.No body will know till it happens Jack.

Wow…this is very insightful. I am learning much from your studies. I agree, no one knows the day or hour of His return which is all the more reason to share the gospel with as many as possible and as often as possible. Time appears to be short and there is precious little time to work. Anything that happens is not random since God is sovereign over all that happens and nothing happens that is not ordained by God as we are to do for the glory of God as we are all commanded to glorify God in all we do.

I am sorry I responded so late. I work as a bi-vocational pastor and am a writer to so I don’t always respond so quickly as I do at other times due to time constraints.

It also said something about 7 Trumpets,(I don`t know what this means) all I know is that the 7th Trumpet would would split the Earth in two, those that are against God,and those that are with God,and we will be tested,but it does not say how. The other country it mentions is Saudi Arabia,but they have Princes not kings. I see it this way a lot of people don`t believe something until it happens like 9/11 or when somebody says that bridge is to weak and it is dangerous. They take no notice until it collapses. Well all i can say is I will know for sure when the next pope is elected. You will know what the 7th Trumpets is Jack. I know one is about famine,and big disasters. I did not evan know that any Trumpets were blown. Can you enlighten me on these trumpets Jack

Thank you Anthony. I don’t know about the earth splitting in two but the Mount of Olive will be cleaved (or split) in two when Christ returns to stand upon it again…the same place He ascended into heaven after His resurrection.

“And the seventh angel [messenger, Bro. Russell] sounded; and there were great voices [proclamations] in heaven [the spiritual realm of earth], saying, The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord [Jehovah], and of his Christ; and he [Jehovah] shall reign for ever and ever [kingdom should be singular according to Sinaitic and Alexandrine].” Revelation 11:15

The content of the message given by the seventh messenger was great indeed. We are privileged to know this last “trumpet message” in considerable detail because we have a complete written record of it. We are also privileged to continue preaching it.

The seventh “trumpet” announces in “heaven” [the spiritual realm] that “the kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and his Christ.” It does not mention the “air,” as does the seventh “plague.” There may be some similarity, but clearly the seventh “trumpet” is an announcement that the “king” and his kingdom have arrived.

This is good or bad news depending on the view one has of the “kingdom.” The seventh “plague” is poured on the “air” and is an expose on the fact that Satan and the demons really control the nominal Christian churches, causing them to oppose the incoming kingdom of Christ (Revelation 16:17)

It does not mean that the Earth is literally split in two. It means that they are on Gods side,and the other on Satan`s side. I take it from this is those who take the mark of the beast,and those that refuse it. Those that refuse it will definitely die,but you will be sacrificing your life for God,and will go to heaven. Those that take it will feel God`s wrath and go to Hell.
Martin Luther,John Kalvin,and John Knox have all identified the Catholic Church has the Harlot Women on the Beast.
If this does not happen about the next pope being a fallen angel Johns vision must mean something else? Jack

Hello Anthony. I do not believe the next pope will be a fallen angel. Angels are spirits and can not be human or a human can not be a demon. John’s vision must mean something else. These three you speak of are a unholy trinity…the dragon (Satan), the beast and the false prophet. Even those these church heroes identified the Catholic Church as the Harlot Woman on the Beast, only time will tell when they are fulfilled. It is possible but no one knows exactly. There is so much symbolism in Revelation.

According to the bible they can(Bible Controversy) in Genesis,and Hebrews,but it does not say exactly if they can. Fallen angels in the bible often referred to has the “sons of God”and as Satan`s minister`s. I agree with you about all this symbolism in Revelation`s. To be quite honest it`s like The Lord of the Rings. I agree with you that John`s vision must mean some thing else.
There is a rumour about the popes quick resignation,because there suppose to a warrant out for his arrest for crimes against humanity. He definitely knew about these paedophiles against children. There is evan bishops in America that are still doing business. He will not hand over a document with a list of paedophiles on it. It has cost the catholic church thousands of pounds about this issue. If you and me were a paedophile we would be in jail now. The vatican holds a lot of secrets. It`s not a church to me it`s a secret society. Jack

I’m doing some following of this forum for sometime now and notice your unbiblical, unauthorative and baseless personal opinion (teachings) regarding Sabbath observation as the Lord’s worship day.

There is a large number of Christians (like yourself) who major on ‘faith’ to the extent that they believe that ‘obedience’ is legalistic.

They relate obedience to the old testament and
to the law is only for the chidren of Israel or Jews, and think that faith is the only thing we need as Christians
in this new testament period. They (you) talk of freedom and
liberty in the spirit, and especially of freedom from the
law.

As in many cases where there is a conflict about doctrine,
this also is a case of over-extending one part of the
truth at the cost of another, without trying to see the
balance. In this case, it is not really a matter of faith
versus obedience, as if we have to choose one or the
other. We need faith and obedience, in their own proper
places.

The apostle James saw the need to resolve this issue. He
went to great length to explain that faith without works
was dead (Jas.2:14-26). We understand that the ‘works’ he
refers to are not the works people do by which they
imagine God would accept them (Ro.3:20).

But these are works which are the result of our faith. Our faith in Jesus makes us acceptable to God (Ro.4:5). Then we begin to obey Him because we love Him (Jn.14:15).

The Bible gives us many examples of what people did
through faith (He.11). They were not just being optimistic
and thinking that God will make things happen. Faith is
optimistic, but is not merely optimism. Faith gives us a
conviction of things that are not yet seen (He.11:1), and
that conviction leads us to definite choices and action.

What James says is that without this conviction and the
resulting action, our so called faith is a dead faith. It
is not real. But the more we trust in God and His word,
and the more we allow ourselves to be led by His Holy
Spirit, the more we will obey God Commandments. If we continue to live as we please and yet claim that we have faith, we are only deceiving ourselves (Jas.2:17,18).

In Revelation 14 :12, clearly reveals who are the saints (people who will be saved) in the last days of this world. Your question earlier to Ms. Geddes … “Are you saying that those who don’t keep a Saturday Sabbath are condemned?” had been long answered by your own question…..”Definitely Yes” by this same bible text.

If Jesus Christ asked you today the same question He asked 2000 years ago …”How much you love Him ?” what will be your response?

Jesus Christ confirmed with His own word…”If you Love, Keep my Commandments”

I do pray the conviction of the Holy Spirit, impart on you to discern “All” the bible truths as you continue to search God’s Holy words.

Thank you Mr. Levinson for your lecture. I see that you must belong to a Sabbath-keeping church. What do you say then about what Paul said on teaching about this issue, as he said, “Each person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God” (Romans 14:5-6). He continued by writing, “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ” (Colossians 2:16-17).

Paul clearly understood that trying to strictly observe the Mosaic Laws was becoming a stumbling block as he said, “But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? You are observing special days and months and seasons and years” (Galatians 4:9-10)!

20:8 was written to who? The Jews. If you want to keep the rest of the Law, then you must understand that the Torah thus prohibits driving on the basis that a labor is being performed by the act of operating a motor vehicle. The vehicle’s ignition combusts fuel, which by some is considered to violate one of the 39 prohibited activities on Sabbath as well as creating a spark, which is likewise considered to violate a related rabbinic prohibition. (“Igniting a fire”). Isaiah 58:13-14 speaks out against travel during Sabbath. Modern vehicles also have many other electrical components, such as lights, that are continually turned on and off during the course of a vehicle’s operation, often without the driver’s awareness. Besides, the laws of Sabbath place limits on the distance one may travel beyond the city/town where one is spending Sabbath, regardless of the method of transportation.

For example, if you had to travel to church over 600 cubits, then you were breaking the Sabbath and had to be stoned! How far do you want to go with Sabbath keeping? There are at least 39 categories of forbidden acts, all of which are types of work:

Sowing
Plowing
Reaping
Binding sheaves
Threshing
Winnowing
Selecting
Grinding
Sifting
Kneading
Baking
Shearing wool
Washing wool
Beating wool
Dyeing wool
Spinning
Weaving
Making two loops (required for tying one’s shoes)
Weaving two threads
Separating two threads
Tying (your shoes for example)
Untying
Sewing two stitches
Tearing (like opening a letter)
Trapping
Slaughtering
Flaying
Salting meat (at meals)
Curing hide
Scraping hide
Cutting hide up
Writing two letters
Erasing two letters
Building
Tearing a building down
Extinguishing a fire (not good if you have a fire at home)
Kindling a fire (included turning on your heat at home)
Hitting with a hammer
Taking an object from the private domain to the public, or transporting an object in the public domain (Internet, etc.).

Do you see my point sir. James said if you keep one Law you must keep ALL of the Law (James 2:10). Besides, no one is saved by the works (or keeping) of the Law.

As with Colossians 2:14-16 and Galatians 4:9-10, there are also those who believe that Romans 14:5-6 refers to the Sabbath of the Lord. Could this be true or is this also just another misunderstanding as are the other two passages?

Colossians 2:16, Galatians 4:10 and Romans 14:5 are in fact all related and all very misunderstood as so often seems to be the case when it comes to God’s Moral law, His Sabbath and the temporary ceremonial law which pointed to Christ.

Romans 14:1-6, “Him that is weak in the faith receive you, but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God has received him. 4 Who are you that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yes, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. 5 One man esteemeth one [feast] day above another: another esteemeth every [feast] day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he does not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.”

To begin with, it must be admitted that the word “Sabbath” is not found in the entire chapter. People assume Paul is talking about the Sabbath. But is he really? The chapter begins, “Him that is weak in the faith receive you, but not to doubtful disputations.” Romans 14:1. The NKJV reads, “disputes over doubtful things.” This chapter concerns “doubtful things” and is not a discussion of the Ten Commandments. God’s “Big Ten” are not “doubtful,” but exceedingly dear and written personally with the finger of God on two tables of stone.
The Sabbath is one of the Ten Commandments that defines what sin is and the Commandments of God are never spoken of flippantly such as referring to the fourth Commandment as a day. It is always called “the Sabbath” or “Sabbath day” but it is never referred to superficially as just a day. Also very significant is that the word “alike” in verse 5 does not exist in the Greek and is an added word, which tends to convey an idea which the apostle never designed or intended.

It becomes clear from Romans 14 and 15 chapters, that many misunderstandings existed between Jewish and Gentile Christians in relation to certain customs which were sacredly observed by one but disregarded by the other. The main subject of dispute was concerning meats and days. The converted Jew retaining respect for the Law of Moses abstained from certain meats and observed ceremonial days while the converted Gentile understood that Christianity put him under no such obligation or regard to ceremonial points. It also appears that mutual and heartless judgments existed among them and that brotherly love and reciprocal tolerance did not always prevail. Paul exhorts that in such things no longer essential to Christianity, that even though both parties had a different way of thinking they might and probably do still have an honest and serious regard for God. Paul further explains they should not therefore let different sentiments hinder Christian fellowship and love, but they should mutually refrain and withhold and make allowance for each other and especially not carry their Gospel liberty so far as to prejudice a weak brother or a Jewish Christian.

The “weak” brother “eats” some things and “esteems one day above another” while the strong brother believes that he may “eat all things” and “esteems every day” Romans 14:2, 5. The early Church was made up of Jewish believers and Gentile converts. Although Paul did not specify what “days” he was referring to, he could only be talking about the “esteeming” or “not esteeming” of certain Jewish fast or feast days and certain pagan feast days when people were especially “eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols.” 1 Corinthians 8:4.

A “strong” Jew who knew that “an idol is nothing” would have no scruples about eating “meat in an idols temple” on a pagan feast day. 1 Corinthians 8-4, 10. Paul warned these “strong” Jewish believers, “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. [the Gentile convert from idolatry]. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple [on a pagan feast day], shall not the conscience of him that is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; and through your knowledge shall the weak brother perish [if he is drawn back to idolatry], for whom Christ died? But when you sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth.” 1 Corinthians 8:9-13.

There is NO evidence that the discussion about “the weak and the strong” in Romans 14 and 1Corinthians 8 has anything to do with the Sabbath. God has never said “one man may choose to esteem MY Sabbath, while another man may choose to esteem Sunday.” Remember that the word alike does not exist and is an added word. God has NOT left it up to us to “pick a day.” Rather, God has commanded, “Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy … the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God.” Exodus 20:8-10. The book of Romans is very clear, “by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:20; 7:7, 12.

When the passage is about a law of bondage as referred to in Galatians 4 or foods and days as in Colossians 2:16 and Romans 14:5, especially when associated with the sanctuary service, then we must realize that the Ten Commandments are not being referred to. When the Ten Commandments are being referenced, you will always know as the context of the passage will always be centred around love, as that is what the Ten Commandments are. The Bible tells us in 1 John 4:8 “He that loves not, knows not God; for God Is Love.” As God is eternal, then Love also must be eternal. 1 John 4:16 says, “And we have known and believed the love that God has to us. God is love; and he that dwells in love dwells in God, and God in him.“ Love is inseparable from God and the true Christian, as God is love and love is God. We were created in love and for love and no other reason.

This is why the Ten Commandments are eternal and unchanging, as God changes not, and love changes not, and the guidelines on loving God and man also changes not. Jesus said in Matthew 5:17 that He did not come to destroy the law and that till heaven and earth pass, not one jot or tittle shall pass from the law. See also misunderstandings in fulfilling the law. He also warned against not teaching the law and said great is he that does teach and uphold the law.

Jesus then raises the bar even higher and tells us that if we think the crime we have done the crime as verse 27 goes on to say. Jesus is in no way implying the Ten Commandments are going to be abolished or change, but to the contrary Jesus shows they will become even stricter. To imply that Colossians 2:16, Galatians 4:10 or Romans 14:5 refer to the Ten Commandments is to take them seriously out of context and also have them fail to line up with other scripture throughout the Bible as well as being in serious and obvious contradiction to many other scriptures.

Some conclude that these verses state that it does not make a difference to God which days we keep. They take these verses out of context and apply their own meaning. In order to grasp the true intent, we must read starting where the context of the subject begins—not just these two verses. Verses 1-4 identify the subject in context as vegetarianism—not which days should be kept.

Notice: “One man esteems one day above another: another esteems every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regards the day, regards it unto the Lord; and he that regards not the day, to the Lord he does not regard it. He that eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he that eats not, to the Lord he eats not, and gives God thanks” (Rom. 14:5-6).

Does Paul state here that Jesus, by His death, did away with the very days He kept during His whole life? No! Does he say, “God esteems one day above another” and “God esteems every day alike?” Again, no! The verse says, “One man esteems one day above another.” This is telling us that it was what men were teaching, not what God says.
Christ is not going to judge us by what any man believes. He will judge us by His Word, the Bible. “…the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).

Notice that the saints at Rome were forbidden to judge one another: “Who are you that judges another man’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Yes, he shall be helped up: for God is able to make him stand” (Rom. 14:4).

Paul is not condemning a particular period of time, but he is warning the saints not to judge one another and cause strife for having differing opinions about things. Those in Rome were weak in the faith. They had not yet matured spiritually. Paul says, “For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end that you may be established” (Rom. 1:11).

This in no way is giving a license to believe whatever you want. God commands, “…and lean not unto your own understanding” (Prov. 3:5). Until you know what God says in His word, how are you going to be fully assured in your own mind? Paul stated, “the holy scriptures…are able to make you wise unto salvation” (II Tim. 3:15).

Paul is writing to both Jewish and Gentile converts at Rome. He advised them to accept those who were weak in the faith (Rom. 14:1), and to not dispute with them over insignificant matters, nor sit in judgment of them. Some of these newly converted Gentiles, being weak in the faith, were vegetarians and refused to eat meats.

The reason they did not eat meat is explained in I Corinthians 8. Most meat available for purchase at the market had been previously offered to idols at pagan temples. Therefore, some, with conscience of the idol, ate it “as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. But meat commends us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse” (vs. 7-8). Some of the converts at Rome, who had given up idolatry, were Gentiles. Still being superstitious, they thought the idol was something real.

What were these days Paul was referring to? Why did Paul break into this thought—about eating meat—and mention “days?” The answer is found in the Moffatt translation: “Then again, this man rates one day above another, while that man rates all days alike. Well, everyone must be convinced in his own mind; the man who values a particular day does so to the Lord. The eater eats to the Lord, since he thanks God for his food; the non-eater abstains to the Lord, and he too thanks God” (Rom. 14:5-6).

Notice! Not only were there weak converts who avoided eating meat offered to idols, but there were others who customarily abstained from particular foods. They semi-fasted on certain particular days. Still others refused to practice a semi-fast or abstain from foods, but regarded every day in the same way!

A number of Jews of that time would often hold a semi-fast twice in the week (Luke 18:12). Some would also fast during the fifth and seventh months (Zech. 7:4-7). They were divided as to exactly when to fast. The Gentile converts were also divided as to what days to abstain from certain foods. Because of the differing backgrounds of these people, they could not agree on which days to do this. There were divisions in the congregation. Jesus taught us that fasting is something that is done without making it obvious to others (Matt. 6:16). It is a personal matter, between an individual and God.

The subject of this question surrounded the matter of abstinence on particular days—upon which days many voluntarily abstained from certain foods. It did not involve whether or not to keep pagan holidays or God’s Holy Days.

In regards to your argument about “that no one can keep the 10 Commandment of God “ read on…What we need is the searchlight of God’s Word to shine into our moral darkness so He can reveal His truth to us. Were the Ten Commandments nailed to the cross? Is the very sin that started with Adam and Eve and nailed our loving Saviour to the cross something God no longer cares about? Did Jesus die so we could continue living in lawlessness? Is this what the Bible really says about the Ten Commandments, or are these just lies from our adversary who is determined to keep and steal everyone he can from God’s kingdom, especially as we draw closer to this Earths final days? Romans 6:23 says Jesus died to redeem us from the penalty of sin which is death by taking the penalty for our sin upon Himself, not so we could continue living in sin, which is breaking the Ten Commandments. 1 John 3:4.

Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

The author of Hebrews 10:26-29 exhorts that to continue in wilful sin is to tread the Son of God under foot and count the blood of the covenant by which we are sanctified as an unholy thing despite God’s grace. So how will Jesus respond to those who worship Him and even do miracles in His name but had the opinion they could practice lawlessness by wilfully disobeying the Ten Commandments?

Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”

Here Jesus speaks of those who called Him “Lord” but did not do the will of the Father. He then describes those who would seek entrance into the kingdom claiming to be workers of miracles in His name, but He would sorrowfully say, “I never knew you: depart from me, you who practice lawlessness!” These are words we never want to hear Jesus declare because we practiced lawlessness by wilfully disobeying the Ten Commandments, but how many of the Ten Commandments does one have to break to be guilty of sin?
James 2:10-12 says, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.”

Every single person will be judged by the mighty moral code of God’s Ten Commandments. To break just one is to be guilty of sin. The Bible demonstrates that the Ten Commandments are like a chain of ten links. When one link is broken, the whole chain is broken. And so it is with the Ten Commandments. Those who stand in the judgment will have to meet the acid test of the Ten Commandments. If a practicing thief should seek entrance into the kingdom, he would be rejected. This is why Paul says thieves will not inherit the heavenly city. Furthermore, the Bible specifically declares that idolaters, adulterers, liars and covetous men will not be in the kingdom. Why? Because the Ten Commandments forbid those things and men will be judged finally by this law. Not one single person will be admitted into heaven who is WILFULLY violating any one of the Ten Commandments because breaking one of the Ten Commandments is breaking them all. We find a good example of this in Exodus 16:4-30. These non-Jews thought that God did not mean what He said when He said the Seventh day. So how did God respond to them? He accused them of breaking ALL His Commandments and laws.

Some may object that this is making works the basis of entering the kingdom. But not so. This is really making love the qualifying factor. Jesus said that the greatest Commandment of all is to love God supremely. Quoting from the second of the Ten Commandments, Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my Commandments.” John 14:15. Those who practice any known sin are really confessing that they do not love God with all their heart, soul and mind. So you see it is actually the lack of love that shuts them out and not the act of disobedience that exposes that lack. Only when love is motivating the obedience does it become acceptable to God. Any other work is man’s vain attempt to earn salvation and to deny the efficacy of Christ’s atoning sacrifice.
What about those who teach the law is abolished or condemn others that do teach and obey the law? The words of Jesus are not ambiguous. He informs us that He did not come to destroy the law and we are not only to obey the Ten Commandments but TEACH them also. Again we are warned that the consequence is not entering the kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 5:17-29 reads,

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. (See Jesus fulfilled the law or were the Ten Commandments abolished and the meaning of fulfilling the law for more detail on fulfil and Luke 16:17 on the eternal nature of the law) For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least Commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least [by those] in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. You have heard that it was said by them of old time, You shall not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, You fool, shall be in danger of hell fire…You have heard that it was said by them of old time, You shall not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if your right eye offend you, pluck it out, and cast it from you: for it is profitable for you that one of your members should perish, and not that your whole body should be cast into hell.”

Not only are the Ten Commandments to last as long as heaven and earth but did you notice that our Lord and Saviour raises the bar even higher and magnifies the law as prophesied? See Isaiah 42:21. Example: From do not commit adultery to having committed adultery in your heart by looking lustfully at a woman. Jesus also informs us that the result of living in deliberate sin is “Hell Fire” and that it is better that one of your members should perish than for our whole body to be cast into Hell. My question is, “Why would any Christian try to justify disobedience to God’s Ten Commandments anyway?”

If we do not desire with all our heart to do this now, why would we be any different in the kingdom of heaven? The Bible says that God is love (1 John 4:8, 16) and that His Ten Commandments are Ten Royal laws of love. (James 2:8) All the attributes of the Ten Commandments are found in God’s very own nature and is why God cannot tolerate sin as it is a defilement of His very own character.

To try and abolish or attack the Ten Commandments is to also attack God and His character. Does this mean being perfect as Christ was perfect? Of course not. This is where repentance, faith and God’s grace are required which covers our failures in the flesh. See Romans 7:14-25. God’s grace however, does not and cannot cover deliberate and wilful sin.

Hebrews 10:26-29 says, “For if we sin WILFULLY after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth NO more sacrifice for sins, … He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose you, shall he be thought worthy, who has trodden under foot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and has done despite unto the Spirit of Grace?”

The Bible tells us how much sorer the punishment shall be for wilful sin and it is my heartfelt prayer that no one takes that path. Some may exhort that it is not possible to keep the Ten Commandments. Because we are sinners this is impossible to do on our own, but God’s love changes us and enables us to obey His Commandments. God’s Holy Spirit can pour into your heart an abundance of self denying love so that you will be able to love God most of all and your neighbour as yourself. The Bible also informs us that all things are possible through Christ who strengthens us and renews our hearts and minds making us a new creature. See 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Philippians 4:13.

There is no mention of the Sabbath day at all in all the history of the book of Genesis covering the first 2,500yrs after Creation,and the Jews heard nothing about the Sabbath until after the Exodus, as recorded in Exodus 16:23.
Jesus said “If you love me keep my commandments” Jesus was referring to his new Commandments. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath. The Jews failed to understand to what Jesus said or meant. In the temple,calling them “You brood of vipers” The Jews went by the letter of the law,has Jack says making a fire,making a sandwich,and if you broke one of these you broke the lot,and you would be stoned to death.
The Jews do not recognize Jesus who is the Lord of the Sabbath. The Jews evan said that Jesus broke the Sabbath,but he did not,because he was the Lord of the Sabbath.
I don`t here anybody getting stoned to death in Israel today why, they are still the same Ten Commandments,and if they follow them to letter which they do not proves that they are not keeping “The Commandments in the Old Testament” right up till today. Just because you keep the Saturday holy to me does not give you a ticket to Heaven.
St Paul explained about the Sabbath has jack says and i agree with him,and St Paul mostly what St Paul says,because it was a real problem to the people who did not understand.
What about the important people today who cannot keep the Saturday holy – Surgeons, Power workers, and police the list is endless. What would God say about these.(I think God would understand)

One of the arguments that those who oppose the Sabbath present, is that the Law of God and thence the Sabbath did not exist until God gave it to the Jews some 2500 years after creation. As proof and support they use this verse found in Nehemiah 9:13, 14 which states: “Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments. And madest known unto them Thy holy Sabbath, and commandest them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses Thy servant.” Because of the phrase “And madest known unto them Thy holy Sabbath,” they argue that this means that it was not until then that God gave the Sabbath to them since the word “Sabbath” is not mentioned at all until just before the commandments were given.

Before we take a close look at what the Scriptures say, let us follow the very same reasoning that they use with another verse and see what the conclusion must be. Let us go to Ezekiel 20:9 which states: “But I wrought for My name’s sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, among whom they were, in whose sight I made Myself known unto them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt.” So using the very same reasoning that is used with Nehemiah 9:13, 14 then, one has no choice but to conclude that God did not exist before the Exodus since it states here that He made Himself known unto them when He brought them out of bondage! Since we realize the absurdity of that reasoning, then why contend that the Sabbath did not exist before that time simply because God THEN made it known to Israel?

What that verse simply means is that after 430 years of bondage and oppression in that heathen country, the knowledge both of God and of the Sabbath had become dim and largely faded from the minds of the Israelites during that period of time and under those circumstances, and God’s requirements and His law were formally, officially, made known to Israel at the foot of mount Sinai, as they began their life as a national entity established under God. But let us now turn to some other Bible verses to clearly show that the Sabbath WAS kept before the Exodus.

Isaiah 1: 18 (1st part) states: “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord.” And we will follow that divine precept by turning to Mark 2:27, which states: “And He said unto them, the Sabbath was made for man, (not just Jew) and not man for the Sabbath.” Let us now turn to Genesis 2:1-3 which states: “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it He had rested from all His work which God created and made.”

The objection is that the word “Sabbath” is not mentioned before Exodus. Literally that is true, however none can argue that the word “seventh day” in the above verses actually refers to the Sabbath according to the fourth commandment as found in Exodus 20: 10, as it states there: “But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord Thy God.” So Biblically speaking then, the word “Sabbath” IS mentioned 2500 years before Exodus at the very creation of the world, contrary to argument otherwise, it’s just called “the seventh day.”

So now let us go to Hebrews 4:4, 9-11 where we read: “For He spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all His works…There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For He that is entered into His rest, he hath also ceased from his own works, as God did from His. Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” Some try to confine these verses to a spiritual application only, but it is obvious by Paul’s own example of Sabbath keeping that he meant this in every sense of the word, both spiritually and literally––and in fact as evidenced by some examples in the Old Testament, one of the problems that God had with Israel was their profaning of the Sabbath (Nehemiah 13:17; Ezekiel 22:26; etc.), and Paul here is warning us not to fall into the same “example of unbelief.”

Comparing then these verses of Mark 2:27, Genesis 2:1-3 and Hebrews 4:4, 9-11 and going back to Genesis chapter 2 where Adam and Eve were created on the 6th day, can we not confidently state that since God created the Sabbath for man, that on that very next day, the 7th day, Adam and Eve celebrated that very first Sabbath in sweet communion, face to face with their Creator, in honor of the birth of a beautiful new world fresh from His hands? That’s exactly why and what the fourth commandment tells us to “remember!” To conclude or believe despite what Genesis 2:1-3 states, that Adam and Eve would ignore the Sabbath, which was created especially for the human race, and offer such an insult to Jehovah, is too absurd to even consider, for God did not put them out of the Garden of Eden for not keeping His Sabbath, but for eating of the forbidden fruit. And just as they were the first of the human race to be joined in the sacred ordinance of marriage, so were they the first of mankind to start keeping God’s holy, blessed, and sanctified seventh day Sabbath, from Friday evening to Saturday evening. (See Leviticus 23:32; Mark 1:32) Adam and Eve WERE Sabbath keepers! But let us go on.

Let us now go to Hebrews 11:4, which tells us: “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous…” The word “righteous” means “innocent, holy, just.” One cannot be holy and be a lawbreaker––there is no such thing as a holy sinner. So if Abel was holy, if he was not a sinner, and “sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4), and “by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20), “…for where no law is there is no transgression” (Romans 4:15) then it is obvious that not only did he have knowledge of the law, and, being declared righteous by God, he kept that law, and that means that he kept ALL the law, including the Sabbath! So Abel also was a Sabbath keeper as were his parents!

Before we go to another Old Testament example, lest anyone object with the spurious argument that “yes Abel loved God but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he kept the law,” Matthew 7:21-23 clearly tells us that it is not enough to profess love, or even do great things in God’s name but only “he that doeth the will of My Father” shall enter the kingdom of heaven. And what was Christ referring to by that phrase, what is the will of His Father? We read in Psalm 40:7,8 this prophecy referring to Christ: “Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me. I delight to do Thy will, O my God: yea Thy law is within my heart.” To do the Father’s will is to keep His law! We will have more on Abel later, but let us now go to another Old Testament example.

We read in Genesis 6:9: “These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.” Here the word “just” referring to Noah means “lawful, righteous.” Can anyone be “lawful” in regards to a law that does not exist? No! So since Noah indisputably was also a law keeper, then it is evident that he also kept the seventh day Sabbath, but more on Noah later as with Abel, to definitely establish this point. Now let us go on.

Let us now look at the example of Abraham. Did Abraham know and keep God’s law, including the Sabbath? We clearly and undeniably read in Genesis 26:5 “Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.” Let us look at that verse closely. The word “charge” refers to diligent duty or preservation. The word “commandments” refers to ordinances and precepts. The word “statutes” means virtually the same thing as “commandments.” The word “laws” refers to the Decalogue or God’s moral, 10-commandment law. So there is absolutely no question but that Abraham obediently and diligently also kept the Lord’s holy, seventh day Sabbath!

Let us look at another Old Testament example, that of Joseph. We read in Genesis 39:9 (last part) as he was being tempted by Potiphar’s wife, he states: “…how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” His concern was sinning, not only against Potiphar, but against God. Again, we saw previously that sin is the transgression of the law, and that where no law is there is no sin. So how could Joseph sin against God if there was no law? And if he kept the law then he must have kept the Sabbath, for we’re told in James 2:11 “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” And Joseph kept all the law, as we shall see next.

Let us now go back to Hebrews 11: 13, 39 where referring to Abel, Noah, Abraham, Joseph and others it states that “These all died in the faith, not having received the promises…and…all having obtained a good report through faith…” In the days of those individuals one was either a pagan––a heathen, or a follower of the true God, obeying His laws, therefore keeping His Sabbath. “These all died in the faith.”

Revelation 22:14 states: “Blessed are they that DO His commandments that they may have a right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” ONLY those that keep the commandments will have the right to spend eternity with God, and this is further exemplified in Matthew 19:17 where in reference to Christ and the rich, young ruler we read: “And He said unto him, Why callest thou me good? There is none good but One, that is God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” Here Christ is telling this individual that only by keeping His commandments will one have a right to the tree of life, and so that there would be no mistaking which commandments, in response to his question Christ makes it undeniably clear which law He is referring to as we read the next two verses (18, 19) which state: “He saith unto Him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself.” These are right out of the Decalogue.

In conclusion, since only those who keep His commandments, at the heart of which is the Sabbath commandment, have a right to the tree of life, and we’re told that Abel, Noah, Abraham, Joseph and others in the Old Testament, generations before Exodus, will be in heaven where the tree of life is, not only then is there NO Biblical support whatsoever for the argument that the Ten-commandment Law and the Sabbath were unknown and not kept before Exodus, but ample evidence to the contrary! “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Proverbs 4:18.

Are you a sincere Christian? Do you Love Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour….then DO exactly what Jesus tells you…”If you Love Me, KEEP my Commandments…Not 9 But all 10 of them.

Once again Mat, thank you sir. How can you reconcile what Paul is saying about the Sabbath….It is IN the New Testament where he writes, “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a SABBATH day. These are a SHADOW of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ” (Colossians 2:16-17).

As I said before and you seemed to not answer it, If you want to keep the rest of the Law, then you must understand that the Torah thus prohibits driving on the basis that a labor is being performed by the act of operating a motor vehicle. The vehicle’s ignition combusts fuel, which by some is considered to violate one of the 39 prohibited activities on Sabbath as well as creating a spark, which is likewise considered to violate a related rabbinic prohibition. (“Igniting a fire”). Isaiah 58:13-14 speaks out against travel during Sabbath. Modern vehicles also have many other electrical components, such as lights, that are continually turned on and off during the course of a vehicle’s operation, often without the driver’s awareness. Besides, the laws of Sabbath place limits on the distance one may travel beyond the city/town where one is spending Sabbath, regardless of the method of transportation. Aren’t you breaking this by going to church unless your church is just about 4 blocks away?!

For example, if you had to travel to church over 600 cubits, then you were breaking the Sabbath and had to be stoned! How far do you want to go with Sabbath keeping? There are at least 39 categories of forbidden acts, all of which are types of work:

Sowing
Plowing
Reaping
Binding sheaves
Threshing
Winnowing
Selecting
Grinding
Sifting
Kneading
Baking
Shearing wool
Washing wool
Beating wool
Dyeing wool
Spinning
Weaving
Making two loops (required for tying one’s shoes)
Weaving two threads
Separating two threads
Tying (your shoes for example)
Untying
Sewing two stitches
Tearing (like opening a letter)
Trapping
Slaughtering
Flaying
Salting meat (at meals)
Curing hide
Scraping hide
Cutting hide up
Writing two letters
Erasing two letters
Building
Tearing a building down
Extinguishing a fire (not good if you have a fire at home)
Kindling a fire (included turning on your heat at home)
Hitting with a hammer
Taking an object from the private domain to the public, or transporting an object in the public domain (Internet, etc.

Are you doing ANY of these on the Sabbath from sunset Fri to Sat? Do you also not eat pork? Are you ready to stone anyone who doesn’t keep the Sabbath as the law requires? Is a person doomed to hell for not keeping it. Hope that is clear enough. Can you respond to these concerns my friend? Are you keeping Jesus two greatest commandments? Are you a follower of Jesus Christ or trying to be saved by the law by which none can be saved?

Mat, your last comment was removed and we may end up banning you. Your starting to become condemning (i.e. to Mr. Cotton, questioning his salvation…I know this man and He is such a precious saint of God). Then you said to Derek, “DO YOU GET the DRIFT NOW Derek?, Or you are just playing as a stiffneck not to swallow the hard fact and truth about God’s 10 Commandments.”

The tone of the rest of it was so harsh and condemning that I removed it. Personal attacks are not going to be allowed here Mat. You end with Shalom. Do you realize that means “peace?”

Hi Mat,
This may sound simple, but what exactly are you proposing? That it is a sin to worship God on Sunday instead of Saturday? Or that it is a sin to work on Saturday? You’ve made a case for ‘keeping the Sabbath’, but (and keep it simple for me) what do you mean by that? Possibly, some clarification of this would make this discussion much more fruitful.
Yours in Christ,
Robert

God’s laws are written on the hearts of believers. The witness of the conscience is an internal witness, not an external list of rules and regulations. Anytime we focus so much on some debated idea, issue, or interpretation that it causes division, we should recognize that there will be these kinds of unresolved doctrinal issues. We must allow each other the freedom in Jesus to explore, investigate, study, and pray for guidance and clarification from the Holy Spirit. God is not a God of confusion (I Corinthians 14:33); therefore, if confusion exists, it is of our doing, not His.

A misunderstanding, or a misinterpretation, or simple confusion over this issue does not nullify our faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation never came by obedience to the law (Titus 3:4-6) but by Jesus’ payment for our sins. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV).

Jesus clearly said that there are legitimate reasons for breaking the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1-14); therefore, we cannot look upon the Sabbath as something oppressive and rigid. As you pointed out, God said that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath (Mark 2:27), He even gave the reason for this, “Six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; that your ox and your donkey may have rest, and the son of your servant woman, and the alien, may be refreshed” (Exodus 23:12 ESV).

The Ten Commandments were general statements of God’s standards. They did not, nor were they intended to, cover every possible situation in life. I say this to say that, by God’s grace, we are to take these Commandments and apply them to our lives…with some flexibility (guided by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God). For instance, we are commanded to not worship any graven images, which applied literally to Israel. The ‘graven images’ of our day are not the same as the ‘graven images’ of Israel’s day, we must apply that Commandment to our situations today. Likewise, the early church has the freedom to ‘keep the Sabbath’ on Sunday, or whatever day they decide to keep it on. I believe there is New Testament evidence that indicates the entire Christian’s life should be dedicated to worship of God, not merely one day out of seven; therefore, if one chooses Tuesday to set aside as a special day to God, he or she should be able to do so without incurring any guilt for breaking a Commandment of God.

Matt I havn`t a clue what you are talking about. We are Christians,and we are suppose to love one another has Jesus said.
I think the same has Robert,because he makes sense,and I can understand Robert from what he says
You havn`t offended me by what you said.
I am like the blind man in the temple Jesus made him see,and he was that excited for some time until he calmed down,and asked where was Jesus. You know the story Matt.
The blind man asked Jesus where his He so that I may believe,and Jesus answered you are looking at Him. Then it struck the blind man and said I can see. My meaning is that I can`t see from what you said. This answer has come from my heart not the bible. If i am stuck on something in the bible I ask Jack,Derek,or Robert. I just hope that Jesus opens your eyes,and you can see Matt.

I shall not judge what day any of you esteem assuming you are convinced in your own minds. I understand that the Lord’s Sabbath is Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. However, my Lord’s “rest” is every day and I worship Jesus every day!

There seems to be some sort of distinction made between “God’s Law” and the “Mosaic Law” (The latter supposed to the Ceremonial Law.) According to Jewish thought: “In the Bible, the Torah is referred to both as the ‘Torah of the Lord’ and as the ‘Torah of Moses,’ and is said to be given as an inheritance to the congregation of Jacob – the Jewish people. Its purpose seems to be to make Israel ‘a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.'” http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/The_Written_Law.html

The original meaning of Torah is “to guide, to teach, to instruct.” With that meaning in mind I draw your attention to: Galatians 3:8-24 KJV

8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.
16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

The law spoken of in verse 17f is what some would call “God’s Law.” The “Ceremonial Law” cannot condemn anyone (just as it cannot save anyone) nor could it be “our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ.” It must be “God’s Law” that does this.

Barnes’ Notes on the Bible:
“Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster – The word rendered schoolmaster (παιδαγωγὸς paidagōgos, whence the word “pedagogue”), referred originally to a slave or freedman, to whose care boys were committed, and who accompanied them to the public schools. The idea here is not that of instructor, but there is reference to the office and duty of the “paedagogus” among the ancients. The office was usually intrusted to slaves or freedmen. It is true, that when the “paedagogus” was properly qualified, he assisted the children committed to his care in preparing their lessons. But still his main duty was not instruction, but it was to watch over the boys; to restrain them from evil and temptation; and to conduct them to the schools, where they might receive instruction. In the passage before us, the proper notion of pedagogue is retained. In our sense of the word schoolmaster, Christ is the schoolmaster, and not the Law. The Law performs the office of the ancient pedagogue, to lead us to the teacher or the instructor. That teacher or instructor is Christ.” http://biblecommenter.com/galatians/3-24.htm

The Law’s purpose is to bring us to Christ, who has redeemed those who have received Him! John 1:12

Thanks for writing such articles, I had many question in my head… all has been cleared… i generally never comment… i have read many articles by you it is very encouraging..God bless you.
Pray for India
Inder Singh

Good Morning, Pastor Jack!
Grrr. Had typed a reply already, but chose an incorrect ‘symbol’ needed? Then when I tried….oh, never mind the details, one more time I messed up! Hee-Hee!

As I have several Jewish siblings in Christ, the discussions about the Sabbath has come up a lot lately. I prayed insistently & earnestly to Jesus’ Holy Spirit for guidance. Last night, I ‘heard’ a quiet whisper say, “Go to Pastor Jack Wellman’s article, Patty.” (May not be able to hear people well, but oh boy~God’s Holy Spirit ‘speaks’ to me LOUDLY & CLEARLY! Hee-Hee!)
Then I remembered having already read this article w/Scriptures above, Pastor Jack. Re-reading your article above along w/some of the comments, re-affirmed my decision about Saturday or Sunday Sabbath. Whew! I was thisclose, Pastor, to following the Jewish beliefs. What PEACE my heart & soul feel now knowing I’m NOT disobeying our Father! (As my Jewish ‘siblings’ were telling me.) (Thank You, Father, for choosing Pastor Jack Wellman as Your vessel to explain Your precious Word!!)

Since hubby Gary & I were baptized in the Ohio River, Leetsdale, Pennsylvania on September 15, 2013, a decision was placed upon my heart. No, not from Gary, nor our Pastor Don, not anyone. This was between our Father God & me. Decision: Whether to become a member of Gary’s Presbyterian Church or not. Because of my Jewish ‘siblings’ I had hesitated, you know?
Thanks to your article above, Pastor Jack, which Jesus’ Holy Spirit infused through your writing skills, my answer is now a definite YES! LOL!

PRAISES, GLORY AND HONOR BE UNTO OUR FATHER GOD, HIS SON, JESUS, HIS HOLY SPIRIT!!! GLORY TO THE BLESSED TRINITY FOREVER!!! AMEN!!!

Hi Patty…this is such great news and I think you made the right decision but no thanks to me really but all glory to God for He alone “infuses” Who He wills and that is fully His work and His work alone and nothing in us can glory but if I boast it is in the cross of Christ and that I contributed one thing to my salvation…coming with hands full of sin and nothing more to add. Congratulations….I see God in this choice.

Wow!! I just read through the not so brief, “brief” on Sabbath worship here. It is a literal “work” in progress..;-)

I totally “get” the Sabbath keepers’s dilemma with keeping the 10 commandments, of which the fourth involves keeping Holy the Sabbath.

I understand that with Christ’s Spirit in our lives we can become more sin…less as we grow in maturity to the whole man. I get that. Some here in this discussion have stated that Christ did not break the Sabbath…really?

Sabbath keepers would have a hard time excusing their Lord of breaking the Sabbath when He healed the man’s withered hand on the Sabbath, the lame man healed at the pool @ Bethesda…on the Sabbath, or walked through the grain field on the Sabbath allowing His disciples to pick and eat the grain. In all of these cases Christ broke with man’s laws concerning the Sabbath.

Where is the outrage? Oh, they had plenty of outrage over Jesus’s apparent breaking of their laws concerning the Sabbath…it was for this very cause they sought to kill Him. They “looked” for Him to heal someone on the Sabbath. They were keeping score…just as E.G. White’s followers are doing even on this thread.

Would the SDA’s want to stone Jesus also as the Pharisees did for breaking the Sabbath? That is one of the main reasons they “sought to kill Him”. Of course Jesus broke man’s Sabbath. He was illustrating just as He said that He was our rest(Heb 4:9-10), and that man was not created for the Sabbath…but vice versa. Jesus(God) became man to become our Rest.

This topic obviously will not be resolved from my lamentations over such an over worn subject. To answer Robert’s question which the Sabbath brethren were too timid to answer for him(Robert and Jack you know the answer to your question already)….

YES!!! Sabbath keepers believe all of those worshiping God on Sunday, instead of Saturday, have taken the mark of the beast(Sunday worship) and will go to hell…directly…no passing “Go”….well… we will soul sleep, according to them, I suppose, before we get eventually thrown into the Lake of Fire.

God gave us a rational mind and if they give us the benefit of the doubt that we were once saved…that we then had the mind of Christ….then do they ever stop to think that our spirit which knows we are saved by the quickening of His Spirit allowing us to “know” that we are the Sons of God, would miss out on Salvation(heaven) because we were praising and worshiping God on Sunday instead of Saturday? Think about it!

Yep…that’s what they believe. They are a cult and fall out of the mainstream of fundamental Biblical doctrine, together with Mormons, JW’s and Unitarians. They are Sabbath worshipers, and believe in a work’s based salvation.

They follow Ellen G. White who began their movement…ala Joseph Smith with Mormonism. Here is one of her quotes that will give you the idea of their “leader’s” own directives. There is no repentance and believing as a necessary step of conversion in White’s gospel:

“Do you desire to become a follower of Christ, yet know not how to begin? Are you in darkness and know not how to find the light? Follow the light you have. Set your heart to obey what you do know of the word of God. His power, His very life, dwells in His word. As you receive the word in faith, it will give you power to obey. As you give heed to the light you have, greater light will come. You are building on God’s word, and your character will be builded after the similitude of the character of Christ.”

This is a Gnostic gospel, a works or process gospel. Seventh Day Adventist’s worship another god who differs from the Christian’s God… Jesus. Thank you Lord who delivers us from the works of man and has delivered us into His marvelous Grace and Rest.

I am surprised others have not warned your readers seeking to learn “What Christians Want to Know” concerning the danger of listening to their error. It is very difficult to convince the SDA’s of walking by faith and not works. Their ideas of the Gospel are single focused and center around Sabbath Worship and not Jesus. God help and deliver them and have mercy upon the departed soul of their cult leader E.G. White. Google her name for a horrific view of this cult’s origins. That is “What Christians (should) Want to Know”.

Amen Doc….we actually have had others “warned your readers seeking to learn “What Christians Want to Know” concerning the danger of listening to their error” but their language and accusations where so inflammatory and their beliefs systems and teachings were so estranged from Christ’s teaching that it approached heresy. Sadly, many comments don’t make it on some subjects like this because there are so vicious and malicious that we see no similarities with their claim as being a Christian unless they rip out 1 Cor 13, Romans 12 and John chapters 15-17 out of their Bibles…and oh yeah, Galatians chapter 5 and….(well, you see my point).

After reading through much discussion and conferring with God’s Word, both Old and New Testament, on the subject, I have come to a conclusion — for me.

I have decided I will have God teach me how to practice His Sabbath on Saturday after being a life-long Sunday practitioner. When I dig in to the subject of the Sabbath, and going back to Genesis, God labored six days and rested on the 7th, sooo, for me, it seems like it should be Saturday. When you look at Easter, we see that Jesus rose on a Sunday, the first day of the week. On Saturday, then, He was resting.

I also believe that Jesus was teaching that all the rules created by the Pharisees for keeping the Sabbath were causing people to lose touch with the true intent in God’s creating of the Sabbath. God commanded that we should “Remember the Sabbath and keep it Holy.” To me, that means to spend the day with Him — in delight, in joy, in gratitude — for His amazing gifts; Jesus, life and creation. Not to labor or toil does not mean you can’t prepare yourself a meal! The disciples plucked and ate wheat on the Sabbath as they walked with Jesus. I think by the same token, it should be simple and always in thanks to Him that gives it. Jesus lightened the burden the lawmakers had put upon the Sabbath and brought the delight back to it!! Relish in the Sabbath, accept God’s gift and keep it holy. Nap, read, write, study His Word, pray, meditate on HIM! REST and find delight in the day. I believe that is the gift of the Sabbath and the message Jesus’ teaching brought us.

Paul taught not to judge according to festivals and sabbaths — and I do not. This is as the Spirit has led me to God’s Word and I do not really care if someone practices the day on which they keep Sabbath on Sunday and its not my business what brings that person rest and delight in the Lord. That is between each one of us and God.

Hello, Pastor Jack!
As usual, another terrific article with Scripture! It makes me happy our Father blessed you with writing skills to interpret His Holy Word to others. (Thank You, dear Father! Thank You, also, for Your Holy Spirit, so all Your children can learn from Your Holy Word!!)

Really enjoyed all the comments, too. But, goodness gracious, the CONTROVERSIES this particular subject stirs up among us siblings in Jesus, our precious Savior. Whew~! It’s a good thing Jesus taught us how to love one another. Yet, sometimes I wonder have we truly learned?

Over a year ago, I had befriended a Jewish Christian (as he calls himself) on Facebook. It was an educational & enlightening experience for me, Pastor. Wilson (not his real name) piqued my interest in learning more about the Jewish faith. Even learned the Hebrew names for God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Even there, ‘controversies!’ LOL! I decided NOT to get into a verbal argument about that with Wilson. By then, we were chatting via Skype. (What a technological blessing that is! Now I can actually SEE my big sister, Millie, and her family in Australia every day!! Yay!) Sorry, digressed there.

Wilson & I developed quite a unique brother/sister relationship. On Facebook, I ‘met’ many other Jews who had accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. All of us, including Wilson, would engage in several different spiritual matters, and of course, “the Sabbath.” (It was much like this site here, Pastor.)
Then, a few months ago, Wilson’s comments started sounding VERY judgmental. Several of us commented on it. Wilson would reply almost verbatim, “I am not judging anyone. I am only trying to tell the truth here. It’s your choice if you want to end up in heaven or hell.”
Then, one day, Wilson shared a post on FB about “Idols.” The post showed various photos of celebrities of the world, Marilyn Monroe, the actress, was among them.
Oh, Pastor Jack, I was shocked to read what Wilson was commenting about Marilyn. (As many others were, too. Shocked, I mean.) He called her a whore and definitely was in hell now.
Of course I responded to Wilson’s words, gently trying to tell him his words were unkind; and that ONLY GOD CAN JUDGE, not us mere humans.
Wilson typed back such a tirade, calling me a few off-the-wall, un-Christian names. His last sentence was, “Patty, you’re an agent of satan.”
Oh, Pastor Jack, I was crushed! Broke down in hot sobs, sooo confused & bewildered. My heart ached for Wilson’s anger and drastic change in personality.
I did NOT comment back. What I did after calming down was ‘unfriend’ him on Facebook & took him off Skype.
Obviously, something very wrong is happening within Wilson’s heart, mind and soul. I told another sister in Jesus about this as she knew Wilson also. In fact, I had ‘met’ Wilson through her FB page. Her loving words left me assured that I was NOT “an agent of satan.”
Wilson will definitely always be among those in my “Prayer Board.” (A tablet, really, with names. Should have called it my “Prayer List” instead, huh? LOL! “The mind’s the first to go~!” as the saying is. Hee-Hee! At 65 years young, yep, it’s ‘going’ somewhere~! LOL!)

Oh, this is for Cynthia (April 19, 2014)….
Hello, Cynthia! Really enjoyed your comment! So happy you have found peace about the Sabbath Day. Your 1st. paragraph was wonderful! (BTW, I see God has blessed you with writing skills, too, as with Pastor Jack.)
Yet, there was one point in your comment I sorta ‘disagreed’ with. You wrote, “When you look at Easter, we see that Jesus rose on a Sunday, the first day of the week. On Saturday, then, He was resting.”
Cynthia, Jesus wasn’t alive here on earth on Saturday. Ahem… You see what I’m getting at here, Sis? Hope you visit this page again, Cynthia. Would love to read your comment on that! LOL!
God’s wonderful blessings & His graces be showered upon you, Cynthia, and your family!! HAPPY EASTER, Cynthia!!! Your Sis in Christ Jesus ~ Patty

Pastor Jack, have you ever heard of Rabbi Yatzhak Kaduri?
Think this occurred last year. Before his death at age 108, he said he saw the Messiah of Israel in a vision. He gave a sealed envelope not to be opened until the death of another person. (Sorry, I forgot the entire story from Google.) But the note said that “Yehoshua” was the Hebrew name for Jesus. Interesting, isn’t it? I think the name JESUS in any language is beautiful!!!

Amen Patty about stating as fact that someone is in hell. God alone knows the heart and we are not judges and juries…so I think this is harsh. To call you, a godly sainted woman of faith an agent of Satan is the height of arrogance and very un-Christian so what she is accusing you of she is the very thing she is accusing you of. I guess she has never read 1 Cor 13 or Romans 12 or maybe she’s ripped it out of her Bible for Jesus said that they will know you by your love for one another and no Christian speaks in such a way to another believer. This woman needs our prayers. As for the Rabbi, I have heard of him but God does not use dreams and we already have ALL the revelation we will ever need in the Bible (Read Jude 1). Thanks and happy Resurrection Sunday or Easter to you too friend.

It seems that you got a lot of slack on this subject. I am so glad, you are so very wrong. If you do not believe the WHOLE of Scripture, then tear off the first 2/3 of it and throw it away. ALL of the New Covenant is based on the Tanakh , which most call the Old Testament , making it sound like it was done away. Please study Scripture, throw off baggage, and study deep.
Sabbath is a most beautiful blessing!!

Thank you Dorothy, but I would say that you are leaving off the part in your “2/3’s” that had in context, “Say unto the children of Israel.” Context is everything. I am not Jewish. Are you? The Sabbath command was a commandment given to a “peculiar people” that identified them with God. Today, we identify with God through Jesus Christ Who kept the law where we could not. The tone of your comment gives the impression that if you don’t keep the (Saturday, Fri. Sunset/Sat sunset) Sabbath, then you are lost. You also seem to insinuate that “we have ripped out 2/3’s of the Bible.” That is most unfair Dorothy and its not an honest assessment of those who observe the Lord’s Day on Sunday, as we should observe every day unto God, right? Please read Romans 14:14-19 and read what Paul says; “Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand” (Rom 14:14).

One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord.

Doesn’t this verse say the Sabbath was changed from Saturday to Sunday?

And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to CHANGE times and laws [as the RC church has admitted to] and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

And if so, doesn’t this mean we still should follow the biblical Sabbath of Saturday as we are led to by the Spirit because we love God. His commandments aren’t burdensome.

Hello Mr. Hewston. The verse you refer to in Daniel 7:25 I am guessing because you never gave the chapter and verse, but almost every Bible scholar I checked with writes that it has nothing to do with changing the day of worship from Saturday to Sunday. I can’t see the connection between the Roman Catholic Church and changing the times to worship on Sunday rather than Saturday. John Gill, for example writes in his commentary on Dan 7:25, the following:

And think to change times and laws:
to alter the forms and constitutions of kingdoms, and the customs and usages of them; yea, to set up and pull down kings at pleasure; see ( Daniel 2:21 ) , or to change the use of times and seasons, by setting apart days as holy for canonized saints; and appointing such days in a week, and such a season in the year, for abstinence from meats; and even to change the laws of God and man, by dispensing with both, and making new ones of his own:

and they shall be given into his hand;
either the saints he makes war with, and wears out, who shall be overcome by him; or the times and laws, which he shall not only have it in his mind and purpose to change, but shall have it in his power to do it, and shall do it:

until a time, and times, and the dividing of time;
by “a time” is meant a year, the longest part of time; by “times”, two years; and “the dividing of time”, half a year; in all three years and a half, which is the same with 1260 days, or forty two months, the time of the witnesses prophesying in sackcloth, and of the reign of antichrist; so long shall he continue, exercising his power and authority, his wrath and rage, and blasphemy, and no longer; see ( Revelation 11:2 Revelation 11:3 ) ( 12:14 ) ( 13:5 ).

preached to the Jews on the Saturday Sabbath because that is where they were assembled, not because he was following a commandment to do so. How else could Paul reach and preach to the Jews except on their Sabbath day while they were in the synagogues? This was Paul’s standard procedure when reaching a city. He always first stopped and preached to the Jews who were not part of the church, yet in the hopes that some might believe. Some did believe, but most did not. But then Paul met with the Christians as we see in Acts 20 and 1 Corinthians 16. Paul’s custom when speaking to the churches was on the “first day of the week.” In Acts 20:7 it says that “On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.” In fact, it was the custom of the church to meet on Sunday’s to gather collections too, as it says in 1 Corinthians 16:2 “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” Here we see Paul was collecting the money for the Jerusalem Christians and also note that he said, “when I come” meaning when he came, he would collect them on Sunday. Obviously he was collecting the money when they were all meeting.

Jesus was resurrected on Sunday, the first day of the week (Mark 16:2). The early church often broke bread, a symbol of meeting, on the first day of the week. The early Christian church celebrated the Lord’s resurrection on Sunday and met on that day to honor the day that He was resurrected. Whether some churches keep the Saturday Sabbath, or some observe Sunday is not something that we should be judging others over. Some attend worship services on Saturday night, some on Saturday, some on Friday night, while the vast majority worships on Sunday. So what? This was Paul’s teaching on this issue, as he said, “Each person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God” (Romans 14:5-6). He continued by writing, “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ” (Colossians 2:16-17).

Paul clearly understood that trying to strictly observe the Mosaic Laws was becoming a stumbling block as he said, “But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? You are observing special days and months and seasons and years” (Galatians 4:9-10)!

The Sabbath command in the Old Testament was always affixed with “And unto the children of Israel” and never does the New Testament command or teach that we must keep the Jewish Sabbath.

John 5:14
John 8:11
Is Jesus a liar to tell people to sin no more if they can’t do it through his power?
1 John 3:9
Do not sin…
Ephesians 4:26
Sin not even if you get angry…
Job 1- Perfect
Genesis 5:24, Hebrews 11:5 (By Faith)Enoch- Walked with God
Genesis 6:9, Hebrews 11:7(By Faith) Noah- Walked with God, Perfect
Romans 3:23 All have sinned and fell short of the glory of God, but to continue in sin is godless. God does wink on our ignorance (Paul’s exampleActs 17:30) but once we know better he holds us accountable for our actions and commands us to repent. This sabbath issue is old. The Ten Commandments were written by the finger of God (Exodus 31:18)(or the Holy Spirit if you want deeper knowledge of scripture). Malachi 3:6-The Lord doesn’t change. Hebrews 13:8-Jesus Christ the same yesterday today and forever. Old and New Testament. Jesus is our example on how to live. Now obey the commandments is very dangerous. Let me show you. A Muslim will ask you who did Jesus pray to since he is God? Why did he get baptized since he is God? Why did he keep the Sabbath and go to the synagogue on the Sabbath since he is God? Your answer can only
be scripture supported. He made a example to live for us..(1 Peter 2:21, Ephesians 5:1&2, 1 John 2:6) Men have to stop tampering with Gods word. We always think we know more than God but God tells us his thoughts is not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8&9). As far as Jesus’s response to the man on how to obtain salvation, Jesus being the best interpreter of scripture, just summarized the Ten Commandments. The first four have to do with loving God with all your heart, and the last six have to with loving thy neighbor as thyself. I pray and hope someone reads this and will pray to God for further understanding.God Bless

Hello Mr. Allen. May I ask if you are Jewish because the Sabbath command was always given with this attached: Thus say to the children of Israel. Christ released us from the Sabbath. His finished work on the cross abolished the entire Mosaic law of ordinances, which includes the Sabbath commandment. Only nine of the Ten Commandments are repeated in the New Testament. The reason for this is significant. The fourth commandment was part of the Jewish law system, which Paul called “the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us” (Col. 2:14). The moral standards in the other nine commandments regarding worshiping other gods and idols, taking God’s name in vain, dishonoring parents, murdering, committing adultery, stealing, lying, and coveting remain in effect because they reflect God’s very nature and as such are timeless.22 The expression of these moral standards in the form of the Ten Commandments, however, was not timeless. Paul clearly stated that Christ took this “handwriting of requirements” and “nailed it to the cross” (Col. 2:14).

The result could not be clearer. Paul’s “therefore” in Colossians 2:16 is based on the fact that Christ canceled the debt — all those Old Testament regulations that had plagued the Jews for centuries.23 “Therefore,” Paul concludes, “let no one judge you in food or in drink.” Those regulations were abolished. Pork is as lawful as beef, chicken, or fish. Even meats offered to idols were not prohibited, unless eating such food might cause a weaker brother’s conscience to stumble (1 Cor. 8:4–9).

Paul further concluded in verse 16 that no one can judge you “regarding a festival or a new moon or Sabbaths.” These three terms have particular reference to the yearly festivals such as Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles (Deut. 16:16); the monthly festival of the new moon when the trumpet was blown (Num. 10:10; Ps. 81:3); and the weekly observance of the Sabbath.24 This triple terminology of festivals, new moons, and Sabbaths is found elsewhere in the Old Testament (Isa. 1:13–14; Ezek. 45:17; Hos. 2:11); thus it was familiar to Paul’s Jewish readers.

The Colossian believers were to allow no one to pass judgment against them regarding Jewish Sabbath observances, new moons, or any other Jewish feasts. Why? Because Jesus Christ abolished those observances, which were mere shadows, whereas Jesus Himself is the substance, the body that creates the shadow. Christ is the reality. Oliver B. Greene correctly states, “Christianity knows no such thing as days, months or seasons. Every day is holy unto the Lord, and Christians should worship God every day.”25

The Sabbath rest, of course, pictures God’s finished, completed work, initially at Creation, then again with salvation by faith in Christ’s substitutionary death, burial, and resurrection for our sins. The writer of the epistle to the Hebrews used this Sabbath analogy to note that when one believes, he enters into the reality of God’s rest, pictured by the Sabbath. As a result, the believer “has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His” (Heb. 4:10).

Do you keep the 128 or so Sabbath laws about not stating a fire, not traveling too far ( like to church) and not even being able to tie your shoe. If you think the Sabbath is binding, then what other Jewish laws do you keep sir?

No doubts that the Sabbath commandment was given to the children of Israel. But the the other nine commandments were given to the children of Israel not other nations. Should we then not observe the 10 commandments because it was given to the children of Israel? You can’t accept 9 and deny one. You either accept all or deny all.

The Sabbath Command was given specifically to Israel and church history shows that the church worshipped on the first day of the week, but no one is lost or saved because they keep or don’t keep the Sabbath. Thank you Carl.

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